As Taiwan gears up for the crucial 2024 general election, the three leading presidential contenders exercised their civic duty by casting their ballots early on Saturday, reported Taiwan News. The candidates representing the major political parties include Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Ko Wen-Je and Wu Hsin-Ying from the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), and Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong from the Kuomintang (KMT).
Lai Ching-te voted at Anping Elementary School in Tainan’s Anping District, expressing his appreciation for participating in Taiwan’s democratic process, describing it as a labor of love. Meanwhile, Ko Wen-Je cast his vote at Da’an district of Taipei’s Jinou Girls’ High School, and Hou Yu-ih visited Banqiao Elementary School in New Taipei City’s Banqiao District.
Not only will this election determine the country’s president and vice president, but it will also decide the fate of 113 legislators, including district lawmakers, Indigenous lawmakers, and legislators-at-large. The polls opened at 8 a.m. and are set to close at 4 p.m.
Voters are reminded by the Central Election Commission to arrive at their assigned polling place with their national ID card, voting notice, and personal seal. Strict rules are in place against encouraging or discouraging others to vote and causing disturbances within 30 meters of the polling place, with potential penalties including imprisonment, confinement, or fines.
Mobile phones and cameras are not allowed in polling stations, but devices with the power turned off are exempt from restrictions. With 70% of the island’s 19.5 million voters registered, the polling stations, predominantly in schools, number 17,795.
Results are expected late on Saturday, and the world is closely watching as Taiwan faces this pivotal moment amid escalating tensions with China. The rising threats from Beijing over the past eight years have heightened global concerns, with both the election results and Taiwan’s response to its neighbor being eagerly anticipated.
In terms of age groups participating in the presidential election, the largest voting bloc is the 40-49-year-olds, making up 19.88% of the electorate, followed by the 50-59-year-olds at 18.06%. Approximately 2.84 million voters aged 20-29 are eligible to vote in this election.
This election marks a significant moment for Taiwan as it chooses a successor to Tsai Ing-wen, the nation’s first female president, who is unable to seek re-election due to term limits. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), led by Tsai, is viewed unfavorably by China, which considers Taiwan a sovereign nation. The world awaits the election results and the subsequent response from Taiwan’s neighboring nation.
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