Voters in Taiwan rejected a recall of 24 opposition lawmakers from the Kuomintang, maintaining their parliamentary status and impacting President Lai's Democratic Progressive Party ambitions. This outcome diminishes the DPP's chances of regaining a majority lost in the previous elections. KMT chairman Eric Chu emphasized that voters prioritized stability over political conflict, while DPP leaders acknowledged the need for reflection on the society's response. The recall initiative was seen as a significant effort to address opposition obstruction of Lai's agenda, especially concerning defense issues amid threats from China.
"All Taiwanese people chose stability, chose that the government should focus on getting things done, rather than engaging in bitter political fighting," KMT chairman Eric Chu told reporters.
"No one can lose an election and then engage in a vicious recall," he said, calling on Lai to "sincerely apologize" and "stop thinking about political infighting."
The high-stakes referendum could have given Lai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) control of the parliament, as it had lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 elections.
DPP's Secretary-General Lin Yu-chang said the party "humbly" accepts the results, adding that the DPP would "reflect more prudently on the society's response."
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