TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's 9-in-1 elections wrapped up on Saturday (Nov. 26) with the main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) securing 13 counties and cities, while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) fell short with only 5.
The poor results led to the resignation of President Tsai Ing-wen from her position as the DPP chairperson. However, what were the reasons behind the DPP's loss in this year's local elections?
According to political analysts and experts, poor candidate choices, mudslinging campaigns against their competitors, and a lack of focus on local policies are likely the answers to the party's woes.
Eric Yu, professor of the National Chengchi University's Department of Political Science, remarked that the DPP failed to address "national issues."
Yet, the KMT had carefully selected strong candidates for each district and worked closely together on all levels to push them forward in the elections.
In addition, the DPP’s mayoral candidate in Taoyuan, Lin Chih-chien, was accused of plagiarism 3 months before the elections.
In response to accusations, then DPP chairperson, President Tsai Ing-wen, stood firm and continued to back him up, resulting in a second setback for the party.
Also, the DPP’s use of tactics against their competitors, also led to a further decrease in support from voters.
Moreoever, experts pointed out that the DPP continued to stress the importance of presenting a united front on cross-strait issues in the elections, though it had little to do with the pressing problems felt by citizens regarding local issues.
After more than 2 years of living with the pandemic, the Taiwanese people are looking for ways to resume business as concerns about the economy rise.
Still, analysts indicate that the ruling party had been more focused on providing subsidies rather than revitalizing the economy as a whole, leading to disappointment among its voters, culminating in its huge loss this Saturday.
