Taiwan's Recall Saga: A Tale of Two Parties
What is a Political Recall?
A political recall means that the sovereign power lies with the people and they have the right to recall their representatives if they fail to perform their functions in a proper manner. (https://www.politicalsciencenotes.com/articles/system-of-recall-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-recall-system/326)
A political recall is the process by which citizens can remove elected officials from office before their terms end. This process typically includes the circulation of petitions by recall organisers, the evaluation of signatures by election officials, and a public vote if the petitions are deemed to have sufficient valid signatures. (https://ballotpedia.org/Recall_(political))
Old Public Officials Election and Recall Act
According to the old recall law in Taiwan, in order for a recall to succeed, the number of "yes" votes would have to exceed the number of "no" votes, and the recall votes would have to account for more than 25 percent of the total eligible voters in an electoral district. (https://thediplomat.com/2025/01/deep-cuts-to-government-budget-spark-widespread-recall-efforts-against-kmt-legislators-in-taiwan/)
Recall Process
The recall process typically involves the following phases*:
1. Phase 1
1% of eligible voters in a district must sign a petition to initiate a recall.
2. Phase 2
At least 10% of the voters must sign the recall petition within 60 days.
3. Phase 3
Once a recall petition is approved, a recall election will be scheduled.
For a recall to be successful, the number of valid “yes” votes must exceed the number of “no” votes.
Additionally, the valid “yes” votes must be at least one-quarter of the total voters in the original election district.
Significance of Recalls in Taiwan's Democratic Process
1. Empowerment of Voters
The Taiwanese can exercise their right of recall to restore order and restart the legislature, as granted by Article 17 of the Constitution. (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2025/02/15/2003831902; https://library.fiveable.me/key-terms/hs-honors-us-government/recall-elections)
The right to recall elected officials empowers the Taiwanese citizens by giving them a direct mechanism to remove those who aren't fulfilling their duties or representing their interests effectively. This enhances the democratic principle that elected officials are accountable to their constituents.
2. Promotion of Accountability*
The Taiwanese's right to recall fosters a culture of accountability, and public officials are therefore more likely to consider public opinion and act responsibly.
3. Civic Engagement
It refers to "the active participation of individuals in their communities to address public concerns, influence decision-making, and contribute to the common good". It "allows individuals to take active roles in their communities, contributing to societal progress and democratic governance". (https://ideascale.com/blog/what-is-civic-engagement/)
The mass recall campaign has mobilised the masses in Taiwan and encouraged their participation in the political process. This engagement can lead to increased awareness of political issues and greater involvement in the democratic process, and thereby strengthening the overall health of democracy in Taiwan.
4. Reflection of Public Sentiments*
Recalls can serve as a barometer of public sentiments, highlighting dissatisfaction with specific policies or actions taken by public officials. This can prompt discussions about governance and lead to changes in policies.
When the Executive Yuan vetoed the budget cut in February 2025, the KMT-TPP (Taiwan People's Party) majority overrode the veto on 12 March 2025 despite the apparent displeasure from the public, which will likely lead to more Taiwanese signing the 2nd phase petitions in the 35 districts which have passed the 1st phase.
5. Political Dynamics*
The threat of recalls may influence the behaviours of the legislators, making them more responsive to their constituents.
It can also shift the political dynamics in Taiwan, as KMT (Kuomintang) and DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) may need to reconsider their positions or strategies in light of public sentiments.
*https://studyrocket.co.uk/revision/a-level-government-and-politics-aqa/us-politics/recall-elections
6. Strengthening Democratic Norms*
The existence of a recall process reinforces Taiwan's democratic norms and values, demonstrating that power ultimately belongs to the people. It affirms the idea that elected officials must remain accountable and responsive to the electorate.
1. Reasons Behind the Recall Efforts
Recall campaigns were launched against KMT legislators after they passed three controversial bills to paralyse the Constitutional Court, alter budget allocations and make recalling elected officials more difficult by raising the threshold. (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2025/02/03/2003831236)
Besides the above reason, another reason for the recall campaigns was because of KMT legislators' apparent pro-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) stance. (https://exploretaiuan.com/2025/02/20/taipei-city-government-targets-locals-that-are-against-of-pro-ccp-politicians/; https://gaodawei.wordpress.com/2025/01/29/2015-umc-founder-on-recalling-prc-sympathizing-taiwan-legislators-to-protect-taiwans-future/)
A third reason could be due to the atrocious review quality of the bills. (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2025/02/15/2003831901) The controversial bills mentioned above were not thoroughly or carefully reviewed before being passed, leading to flaws or unintended consequences that sparked public outcry and ultimate demands for recall. (https://thediplomat.com/2024/06/taiwans-protesters-are-against-check-but-imbalance-and-legislative-overreach/; https://newbloommag.net/2024/12/23/kmt-three-bills/)
2. Grassroots Efforts and Public Support for the Recalls
Civil groups began to launch mass recalls of KMT legislators after they passed three controversial bills hastily in December 2024. Calls to recall them grew stronger after they hurriedly pushed through hundreds of illogical and error-ridden motions to slash the government budget without discussion. (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2025/02/03/2003831236)
According to Mirror News, 55 percent of the public were dissatisfied with the performances of KMT legislators, which could explain why there was significant support (46.4 percent) for the mass recalls. (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2025/02/17/2003831991
3. Implications of the Recalls for Taiwan's Democratic Governance and the Role of KMT
3.1 Political Polarisation
Recalls are mainly criticised on the grounds that they can produce high levels of polarisation between political parties. (https://theconversation.com/flipped-elections-can-recalls-improve-democracy-46395)
In the context of Taiwan, I think the ongoing recalls have indeed produced greater polarisation between KMT and DPP, despite the fact that the recalls are initiated by civil groups rather than DPP.
3.2 Impact on Governance
The mass recalls in Taiwan can cause significant political upheaval and may lead to a shift in power dynamics. They may signal widespread dissatisfaction with the current legislature or specific policies, leading to a reevaluation of governance strategies.
If the mass recalls are successful, it may lead to a more unified legislative body that reflects the electorate's current sentiments, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of governance in the long run.
In short, the mass recalls may have a significant impact on Taiwan's governance as they can alter its political landscape. (https://lawhub.blog/recall-elections/)
3.3 Public Trust*
The recall process can either enhance or diminish public trust in the political system. If recalls are seen as legitimate and necessary, they can strengthen trust in democracy. Conversely, if they are viewed as partisan tactics, they may erode confidence in elected officials and government institutions.
In thè districts where the KMT legislators are facing recalls, the local governments run by KMT mayors have apparently been making things difficult for the civil groups and/or businesses that support the recall efforts. For instance, businesses* that support the recalls have faced issues where government officials would make visits to check on their premises, etc, which could potentially disrupt their operations.
Because of the aforementioned, I believe that public trust in Taiwan's political system has been adversely affected. In particular, I think public trust in KMT as a political party is at an all-time low.
3.4 KMT's Role*
The KMT legislators are apparently seen as being responsible for pushing for policies that don't benefit the Taiwanese. Additionally, they are seen as having weakened the military defence of Taiwan by cutting or freezing military spending budget. Moreover, they're seen as being pro-CCP.
The Taiwanese have initiated the mass recall campaign because of these reasons.
Recall Efforts Against DPP Legislators: A Different Dynamic?
1. Motivation Behind the Recall Efforts*
KMT initiated the recall campaign against the DPP legislators because of the mass recall campaign launched against its legislators by civilians.
2. Difference Between the Recalls of KMT and DPP Legislators
The mass recall campaign against the KMT legislators was launched by civilians who were unhappy with the bills that were passed in December 2024.
In contrast, the recall campaign against the DPP legislators was initiated by KMT Youth Wing members, leading KMT members and staff, as well as those affiliated with KMT. (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/02/06/2003831411)
3. Potential Consequences of KMT-Initiated Recalls for Taiwan's Political Landscape
3.1 Increased Polarisation*
The recalls may deepen political polarisation in Taiwan, as supporters of both parties become more entrenched in their views. This could lead to heightened tensions and a more contentious political environment.
3.2 Voter Engagement*
The recalls might mobilise voters, either in support of KMT or in defence of DPP. This could lead to increased voter turnouts in future elections, as citizens become more engaged in the political process.
3.3 Public Perception*
The public perception of KMT-initiated recalls can significantly influence their success. If the public views them as a legitimate tool for improving representation, they are more likely to support such efforts.
However, if the public views them as politically motivated, it could potentially damage KMT's reputation and boost support for DPP.
3.4 Influence on Future Elections*
The public perception of these recalls may influence future elections, especially the upcoming local elections in 2026.
If the Taiwanese view the recalls as lacking justification, they may decide to cast their votes for the DPP politicians.
This potential vote swing in favour of DPP could occur in the re-elections after the successful recalls of the KMT legislators, as well as in future elections.
Incidentally, the pro-CCP stance of the KMT politicians may have a significant impact on future elections in Taiwan.
3.5 KMT's Credibility*
If the recalls fail to meet the requirements necessary to proceed to the 3rd phase, it could damage KMT's credibility.
More importantly, it seems that all the recall petitions submitted by KMT-related people involve fraud. For instance, the recall petitions for two DPP legislators in Tainan, namely, Wang Ting-yu and Lin Chun-hsien, have been found to have signatures from deceased people. (https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2025/03/21/2003833826) This would certainly affect KMT's credibility.
It may lead to perceptions that KMT is unable to effectively mobilise support and/or that its grievances against DPP aren't widely shared among the electorate.
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Reflections
1. The Role of Recall Mechanisms in Ensuring Accountability and Representation
With recall mechanisms in place, it allows the electorate to remove public officials who haven't discharged their duties responsibly. It also helps to ensure that the electorate's interests are represented and not ignored.
However, the new Public Officials and Recall Act may inadvertently empower public officials and hinder the recall process.
2. Implications of the Recalls for Taiwan's Democracy
The right to recall public officials is a symbol of true democracy. However, when recalls are initiated by a political party, it becomes an act of revenge, which is counterproductive.
China's influence has gradually eroded Taiwan's democracy. But with the mass recalls organised by civil groups and the active participation of the Taiwanese in these recalls, Taiwan's democracy could be on the mend.
3. My Thoughts on the Future of Taiwan's Politics
I believe that Taiwan will become more divided as a nation because of China's persistent infiltration and influence. And Taiwan's politics will likely become more polarised because of the same reasons.
However, there's still hope for Taiwan's politics because there are many Taiwanese who remain committed to defending their democracy.
Cheers,
Annie Chan
(P/s: My next blog post will be published on 11 May 2025.)
