Taiwan's 2016 Elections: Inclusive Politics and Status Quo Continuum

Abstract

This article examines the recent Presidential and Legislative Yuan (LY) elections in Taiwan. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) swept elections at both levels. Its candidate was elected as the island's first female president. On the other hand, the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) lost its majority in the legislature for the first time since competitive electoral democracy began in Taiwan. These elections saw a change in the agenda of the major parties, especially that of the DPP, on various domestic and external issues. At the same time, the growth of student and civil society movements and their participation in the political arena since the 2014 Sunflower movement have carved out a niche in Taiwanese politics today. This article offers some preliminary comments on the significance and impact of the elections on Taiwan's changing domestic and political landscape, with the emergence of new political forces and socio-economic challenges, along with nebulous Cross-Strait relations and 'shrinking' international space and diplomacy. How TsaiIng-wen's administration after 20 May will deal with these intricate issues will be a test for her presidency.