Internal Opposition Faces Reckoning

In the week leading up to the July 26 vote, internal assessments within the opposition “Blue Camp” had indicated optimism regarding their auxiliary selection system, with projections suggesting significant seat gains. However, the outcome has shifted focus to those in vulnerable positions, including legislator **Ye Yuanzhi** from Banqiao District, New Taipei City.

Sources within the party reveal that former Legislative Yuan speaker **Wang Jinping**, who closely monitored polling in endangered districts, reportedly urged New Taipei Mayor **Hou Youyi** to intensify efforts, specifically mentioning **Ye Yuanzhi**’s seat as a critical battleground.

Opposition Claims “KO” Victory

Following the official tally, Kuomintang General Assembly leader **Fu Kunqi** addressed his party, declaring a decisive victory over President **Lai Ching-te**. He emphasized that this outcome signals the dawn of a new political chapter for Taiwan.

“We have KO Lai Ching-te and will usher in a new political situation in Taiwan.”

—Fu Kunqi, Kuomintang General Assembly Leader

Political Tensions Ease, Focus Shifts to Governance

A senior opposition legislator commented on the recent political intensity, suggesting a need for respite after a year of strenuous campaigning. “After a full year of confrontation between the government and the opposition, it’s time to rest and rest,” the legislator stated.

With the recall efforts concluded, parliamentary attention is expected to pivot towards crucial budget discussions scheduled for September. This will mark the first time the Executive Yuan presents a comprehensive budget under the revised “Financial Dispatch Law.” The upcoming 2026 local elections also loom, prompting caution among surviving opposition members to avoid actions that could alienate voters and negatively impact their electoral prospects.

Public participation in recall efforts has been a focal point.

Recent polling data indicates a shift in public sentiment, with voter turnout in national recall elections averaging over 50%. This indicates a heightened level of citizen engagement in the political process.

Recall Votes Fail for 24 KMT Legislators and Hsinchu Mayor

Record Turnout Marks Disappointing Day for Recall Efforts

Voters decisively rejected recall motions against 24 Kuomintang legislators and Hsinchu Mayor **Gao Hongan** on July 26th, capping a day of high civic engagement that saw record turnout rates.

Turnout Surpasses Historical Benchmarks

The removal cases witnessed an overall average turnout exceeding 55%, with **Fu Kunqi’s** case breaking the 60% mark. This surpasses the previous record of 51.72% set during the 2021 recall vote for DPP legislator **Chen Bowei**, marking a significant historical high for such proceedings.

Five legislators in Taipei City also saw turnout rates above the average. **Wang Hongwei**, **Li Yanxiu**, and **Xu Qiaoxin** each surpassed 59% participation, while **Lai Shibao** was near 58%, and **Luo Zhiqiang** recorded approximately 57%.

Hsinchu Mayor **Gao Hongan’s** recall effort also saw substantial participation with a 58.84% turnout. Other notable figures like **Zheng Zhengqin** achieved a 59% turnout, and **Luo Tingwei** reached 58.14%. Legislators **Ye Yuanzhi**, **Zhang Zhilun**, **Lin Defu**, **Lu Yuling**, and **Liao Weixiang** all experienced turnouts above 56%.

Only two recall cases dipped below 50% turnout: **Ding Xuezhong** in Yunlin County at 49.87%, and **Huang Jianbin** in Taitung County.

Vote Counts Reveal Close Contests and Clear Rejections

In terms of vote numbers, **Hong Mengkai** received the most votes in favor of removal, but also garnered a significant 121,592 votes against it. Conversely, **Gao Hongan** faced the highest number of dissenting votes, with 86,291 votes supporting her removal.

The narrowest margin between supporting and opposing votes was in **Ye Yuanzhi’s** case, with a difference of 3,560 votes. **Lu Mingzhe’s** case saw the largest gap, totaling 39,022 votes.

By percentage, **Ye Yuanzhi** achieved the highest affirmative vote ratio at 48.63%. **Luo Tingwei** garnered 46.13% in favor of his removal. In other cases, **Huang Jianbin** secured 62.29% against removal, while **Lu Yuling**, **Lin Defu**, **Lu Mingzhe**, and **Lai Shibao** each had over 60% of votes opposing their removal.

Significantly, the number of votes against the removal of **Lin Peixiang**, **Zhang Zhilun**, **Lu Yuling**, **Qiu Ruohua**, **Lu Mingzhe**, **Zheng Zhengqin**, and **Huang Jianbin** all exceeded the number of votes they originally received during the 2024 elections.

Broader Political Context and Impact

These recall votes come at a time of heightened political scrutiny. A recent poll indicated that 65% of Taiwanese citizens believe elected officials should be more accountable for their actions, a sentiment that may have driven the record turnout despite the outcomes (Taipei Times, 2024).

The removal cases for 24 Kuomintang legislators and Hsinchu Mayor Gao Hongan were rejected on July 26th, with high voter turnout recorded.

The rejection of these recall motions likely stabilizes the political standing of the involved legislators, reinforcing their mandates amidst ongoing legislative debate.

Hamotoyuki

Lu Jiang helped Lan back to stabilize 2/Mysterious poll prediction before voting The whole party saved one person Wang Jinping urgently knocked on Hou Youyi to take action – Mirror Media

Recall Votes Fail, Ruling Party Claims Victory Over Opposition

Blue Camp Faces Internal Scrutiny After Legislative Battle