TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The 2024 presidential election in Taiwan concluded, revealing shifts in voter preferences. Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured victory with 5.58 million votes. Despite the win, the DPP's support dropped by 18% compared to Tsai Ing-wen's 2020 performance.
Experts point to the Taiwan People's Party's (TPP) Ko Wen-je as a major recipient of these votes, particularly from young voters. Chen Shih-min, an Associate Professor at National Taiwan University, notes that over 50% of voters under 40 have shifted support to Ko Wen-je due to the DPP's eight-year governance and TikTok's preference for Ko.
Ko Wen-je's appeal lies in his departure from traditional Blue-Green figures, using the internet to engage with the younger demographic. The Kuomintang (KMT) and DPP's conventional campaign methods no longer resonate with some youths.
Despite decreased youth support, Lai Ching-te's victory is attributed to the party's stronghold in central and southern Taiwan. DPP legislators maintain a strong connection with locals, ensuring support from traditional voters aged 50 and above.
In 2016, Tsai Ing-wen secured 56% support, Eric Chu of the KMT obtained 31%, and James Soong received 13%. In 2024, Ko Wen-je's support mirrors the KMT's 2016 performance, indicating the TPP’s rising popularity.
Political scientist Chang Chun-hao suggests growing weariness with the traditional Blue-Green political affiliation is leading to increased support for third parties.
As Lai Ching-te begins his upcoming term, the challenge lies in proposing policies that resonate with the younger demographic. The sustainability of the TPP's popularity remains uncertain in the post-election period.
The evolving political landscape in Taiwan signifies a nuanced interplay between traditional and emerging political forces, indicating a more dynamic period for Taiwanese politics.
