history
The first transition of political power between parties in Taiwan occurred when Lee Teng-hui handed over the reins to Chen Shui-bian, marking a significant shift from the Kuomintang (KMT) to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). This historic moment culminated in the election victory of Chen Shui-bian and his running mate, Annette Lu, making them the first DPP president and vice president respectively since the Republic of China’s relocation to Taiwan. Notably, Lu’s election as vice president was a groundbreaking achievement, representing a significant milestone for women in Taiwanese politics.
The second instance of political transition occurred during Chen Shui-bian’s tenure, as he passed the baton to Ma Ying-jeou, representing a return to KMT governance. Ma’s victory in the 2008 presidential election marked the second instance of a peaceful transition of power between political parties in Taiwan’s history, signifying the resilience and maturity of Taiwan’s democratic system.
During Ma Ying-jeou’s presidency, Taiwan experienced stability and economic growth, but as his term neared its end, the political landscape once again shifted with the election of Tsai Ing-wen from the DPP. Her victory in the 2016 presidential election marked the third political transition, with the DPP taking over governance once again.
In addition to the presidential election, the legislative elections held on the same day saw the DPP secure a majority in the parliament for the first time, marking a peaceful turnover of power in the legislature. This marked a significant milestone for the DPP as it assumed full control of the government for the first time.
Reflecting on the first direct presidential election, Lee Teng-hui’s victory in 1996 marked a historic moment as it was the first time the president and vice president were directly elected by the people. This election followed the lifting of martial law, symbolizing Taiwan’s transition to a fully democratic society.
In summary, these transitions of political power represent the maturity and development of Taiwan’s political system, reflecting the healthy functioning of Taiwan’s democratic institutions.
The vote percentage for the newly elected president of Taiwan in 2024
