(MENAFN) Taiwan kicked off a high-stakes “recall vote” Saturday, which focuses on 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers and a suspended mayor. The polls opened at 8:00 a.m. local time (0000GMT) and closed at 4:00 p.m. (0800GMT), with long lines reported at polling stations islandwide, according to media.

Preliminary results are expected to be released later Saturday evening.

This recall election is widely seen as a strategic move by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to shift the balance of power in Taiwan’s legislature. The lawmakers under scrutiny primarily represent districts in northern Taiwan, a stronghold for the KMT.

Among the high-profile figures facing the recall are Hung Meng-kai from Taipei and New Taipei, who topped the 2024 legislative elections. Also at risk is suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao, formerly of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), following her conviction on corruption charges.

While the DPP has denied orchestrating the recall push, party leader and regional head William Lai Ching-te has openly backed efforts to unseat opposition lawmakers.

A second round of recalls is set for August 23, as the DPP seeks to secure by-elections in a bid to regain control of the legislature. The stakes are high, especially after the DPP lost its majority last year, and the Lai administration has faced multiple challenges in enacting its policies.

If any recall succeeds, it would trigger a by-election within three months for the affected electoral district.

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