Overview

• Taiwan’s Central Election Commission announced on July 26 that all recall motions against 24 Kuomintang lawmakers were rejected, preserving the opposition’s 62-51 majority in the legislature.
• Civil society groups backed by the DPP mounted the unprecedented campaign to oust legislators accused of blocking defence reforms and budgets, citing national security concerns.
• China’s Taiwan Affairs Office condemned the recall results as evidence of the DPP’s lack of popular support and accused the ruling party of authoritarian tactics.
• Political analysts and party leaders warn that President Lai must negotiate with opposition lawmakers to overcome persistent gridlock on key policies, including defence spending.
• A second round of recall ballots for seven KMT legislators is set for August 23, offering another measure of public sentiment and legislative control.