Taiwan's presidential election in 2024 is an open race with the ruling DPP seeking a third term with their nominee William Lai. If voters were to vote today rather than in January Lai would have a higher chance of winning. However, Ko Wen-je, a former Taipei mayor who represents the Taiwan People's Party, is gaining momentum and becoming a serious challenger to Lai. By contrast, the KMT has been struggling to regain second place since nominating Ho Yu-ih, the mayor of New Taipei. Despite the fact that Ko and the TPP are considered “anti-establishment”, they are not simply angry populists. Further, the DPP is unlikely to win the election simply by appealing to anti-China sentiment. With the looming threat of war with China, all candidates will have to embrace the status quo, which is where the majority of Taiwan voters stand.
Lunch refreshment at 12:30pm.
Event Speakers
Kai-Ping Huang
Kai-Ping Huang is Associate Professor of Political Science at National Taiwan University. Her research interests include party systems, formal institutions, and democratization focusing on East and Southeast Asia.