تايوان: تصويت تاريخي لعزل خمس أعضاء البرلمان

Voters in Taiwan are casting their ballots today (Saturday) in a vote aimed at ousting one-fifth of the members of parliament, all of whom belong to the main opposition party. The Taiwanese government announced that this voting is the largest parliamentary ousting in the island's history.

This election is expected to reshape the balance of power within parliament and give the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, led by President Lai Ching-te, a chance to regain its legislative majority.

Despite Lai's victory in last year's presidential election, his party lost its majority in parliament, prompting the opposition to pass laws opposed by the government and impose budget cuts, complicating efforts to increase defense spending.

The voting will determine the fate of 24 members from the main opposition party, with expectations of their ousting and the holding of by-elections for their seats. A vote to oust 7 more members from the same party is scheduled for August 23.

The groups advocating for the ousting describe themselves as an "anti-communist" movement and accuse the opposition party of betraying Taiwan by not supporting the defense budget and causing chaos in parliament. In response, the party denies these accusations.

The opposition party has entered a full mobilization to confront what it describes as a "malicious ousting" that disrespects the results of the recent legislative elections, asserting that its communication with Beijing falls within its legitimate oversight powers over the government.

Polling stations are set to close at 4 PM local time (08:00 GMT), with results expected to be announced in the evening.