UPDATE - Taiwan counts ‘recall vote’ targeting 24 opposition lawmakers

UPDATES WITH POLLS CLOSING, VOTE COUNTING; CHANGES HEAD, LEDE

​​​​​​​By Alperen Aktas and Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Taiwan began counting the highly watched “recall vote” targeting 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers and a suspended mayor began Saturday, local media reported.

Polls opened at 8 am local time (0000GMT), with long lines reported at stations across the island, and closed at 4 pm local time (0800GMT), according to Focus Taiwan.

The results are expected late Saturday.

Observers see the vote as a push by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to shift power in the legislature.

The lawmakers under recall mostly represent constituencies in northern Taiwan, where the KMT holds significant support.

Among those facing votes are high-profile KMT figures from Taipei and New Taipei, including Hung Meng-kai, who secured the highest vote count in the 2024 legislative election. Suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao, formerly of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), is also being challenged following her conviction in a corruption case.

DPP has denied orchestrating the recall drives, though party leader and regional leader William Lai Ching-te has publicly supported efforts to unseat opposition lawmakers.

A second round of recall votes is scheduled for Aug. 23, as the DPP eyes potential by-elections to regain a legislative majority.

The vote is being closely watched as the DPP lost its majority in the regional legislature last year, and the Lai administration has faced continued setbacks in implementing its policies.

A successful recall vote would trigger a by-election within three months in that particular electoral district.