Taiwan's 'Great Recall' Fails: Voters Reject Bid to Oust Pro-China Lawmakers

In a closely watched and unprecedented recall election, Taiwanese voters overwhelmingly rejected efforts to unseat 24 opposition lawmakers from the China-friendly Kuomintang (KMT) party. The recall campaign, backed by President Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aimed to break the political gridlock and shift the legislative majority. However, all targeted lawmakers survived the vote, dealing a significant blow to the DPP and President Lai's agenda. The failed recall highlights deep political divisions in Taiwan and raises questions about the use of recall mechanisms in democratic systems. The outcome also signals continued opposition control in parliament and was closely monitored by China, given the geopolitical stakes.