Taiwan: Vote to Dismiss One-Fifth of Parliament Members Amid Accusations of Chinese Intervention

SadaNews - Voters in Taiwan are casting their ballots today, Saturday, in a vote targeting the dismissal of one-fifth of the parliament members, all from the main opposition party. Supporters hope this move sends a strong message to China, while opponents describe it as an attack on democracy, according to Reuters.

The Taiwanese government stated that this vote, the largest parliamentary dismissal in the island's history, faces "unprecedented" election interference from China, which considers Taiwan a part of its territory, in response to the island's firm rejection of these claims.

This process could reshape the balance of power within the parliament, giving the ruling "Democratic Progressive Party" (DPP) led by President Lai Ching-te a chance to regain its legislative majority.

Despite Lai's victory in last year's presidential elections, his party lost its majority in parliament. Since then, the opposition has displayed its strength to pass laws opposed by the government and impose budget cuts, complicating efforts to increase defense spending in particular.

This political move comes at a time when China is intensifying its military and diplomatic pressure on Taiwan, attempting to assert its territorial claims that Lai and his government reject. Despite Lai's repeated calls for dialogue with Beijing, these calls have been met with refusal from China, which labels him as "separatist."

China is closely monitoring the frantic dismissal campaign, with Taiwan Affairs Office and state media repeatedly commenting on the vote, using rhetoric similar to that of the main opposition party, the Kuomintang, to criticize Lai, as reported by Reuters last week.

The authorities in Taipei stated that Beijing is "clearly" trying to interfere in their democracy, emphasizing that the decision to dismiss or retain the members of parliament is a matter solely for the Taiwanese people.

This vote today will determine the fate of 24 members from the main opposition party, with the possibility of their dismissal and holding by-elections for their seats, while a vote to dismiss another 7 members from the same party is expected on August 23.

The groups advocating for the dismissals describe themselves as a "anti-communist" movement, accusing the opposition party of betraying Taiwan by sending members to China, not supporting the defense budget, and stirring chaos in parliament. In contrast, the party denies these accusations, blaming President Lai for imposing a "dictatorship" and "green terror," referring to the ruling party's color.

The opposition party has fully mobilized to confront what it describes as a "malicious dismissal" that does not respect the results of the recent legislative elections, asserting that its engagement with Beijing falls within its legitimate oversight powers over the government.

The polling stations will close at 4 p.m. local time (08:00 GMT), with results expected to be announced in the evening.