Taiwan Votes 2024: Sunshine and smiles as voters turn out in force, but China's shadow looms large

TAIPEI: Kaohsiung native Hsu Chia-wei, 30, was in Taipei for work, but took a five-hour overnight bus back to his southern hometown to vote bright and early on Saturday morning (Jan 13).

In Mr Hsu’s view, Taiwan’s democracy is still vulnerable and not yet mature. 

“People are always fighting or just insisting on their own opinions,” he told CNA, adding that voting is his way of helping to secure the island’s democracy.

He does not take the right to vote for granted, pointing out that many activists fought for it when the island was under martial law from 1949 to 1987. Taiwan only held its first direct presidential election in 1996.

“I want to cherish this right as a citizen,” he said. “I want to follow my heart and give myself a chance to vote in my own government.”

The island of around 23 million people headed to the polls on Saturday (Jan 13) to choose its next president and legislators, in an election that is being closely watched for its implications on regional and global security.

Counting is underway, with results expected on the same day. Polls opened at 8am at nearly 18,000 polling centres across the island, and closed at 4pm.

Although voting is not compulsory in Taiwan, some people who live and work in other cities travel a great distance to return home and cast their ballot.

Of the 20 million eligible voters, more than one million are first-timers. The voting age is 20.

There are no updates available yet on voter turnout, but they appear to be doing so in force, at least based on Taiwanese media reports of transport numbers of those returning home to vote.

Taiwan Railway estimated that the maximum daily average ridership during the election will be close to 760,000, more than some 718,000 in the 2020 presidential election.

The three candidates vying for the presidency are the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) William Lai Ching-te, the Kuomintang’s (KMT) Hou Yu-ih and the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko Wen-je, with each representing a different way forward for cross-strait relations.

Voters will receive three ballot papers – aside from the presidency, they will also cast their vote for district or indigenous legislators and for legislators-at-large.

GOOD WEATHER AND FRIED CHICKEN

Former Taipei mayor Dr Ko of the TPP voted at Jinou Girls' High School in Taipei's Daan District shortly after the polling station opened at 8am.

He told reporters that the nice weather might encourage people to come out and vote, and added that he was feeling calm and had slept well the previous night.

"His allergies were acting up, and he was snoring loudly, so he must have been in a deep sleep," his wife Peggy Chen said.

The media were also camped out at Xiulang Elementary School in New Taipei City's Yonghe district before 9am, waiting for the arrival of President Tsai Ing-wen to vote.

In a brief soundbite to the media after she voted, President Tsai remarked on the good weather across the island and urged the public to come out to vote. 

Meanwhile, Mr Hou, the KMT candidate, arrived at Banqiao Elementary School in New Taipei's Banqiao district at around 10am. 

Asked by the media what his lucky charms were, he pointed to his hand and said they were the contact he has had with supporters during his campaign. 

The previous night, his daughter bought fried chicken for him and they chatted till 1am, he said.

"I'm feeling upbeat with the sunny weather we have today, seeing Taiwanese passionate about the polls. They've come out early in the morning to vote. It's a clear example of our democracy," Mr Hou told reporters.

Some voters who were at the school told CNA that they were more concerned about domestic affairs, such as fighting corruption and implementing energy policies, in deciding their votes.

"Of course (it) is to try to be as peaceful as possible, because we do not wish for war as much as possible. Yes, it is quite important for us who live here," said one middle-aged voter.

At the Fahua Temple in downtown Taipei, the prayer hall was transformed into a polling station with ballot booths set up in front of statues of Buddha.

Ms Hsien Chao-rong, 56, was one of the earliest voters there. She said her hope for Taiwan after this election was for everyone to be able to live peacefully and enjoy financial stability.

“Everyone has one precious vote and they should use it. No matter who you support, if each person goes to cast their vote, then it’s fair,” she told CNA.

At another temple in the bustling Wanhua district, a jewellery seller who only wanted to be known as Ms Shi, 65, said she was voting against corruption in government. 

“We need a change of environment,” she said.

For voter Billy Lin, 27, the appearance of a "third force" in this election – Dr Ko’s TPP – was crucial to his decision to vote, as it has widened the contest beyond the traditional two-horse race.

“The public may feel that the political achievements of the other two parties (the DPP and KMT) haven't been very impressive, so this election is more important and unique than ever before,” he told CNA.

The research assistant hoped that Taiwan would further internationalise by leveraging its advantages in semiconductors and healthcare.

OVERSEAS-BASED VOTERS

The polls also gave a voting chance to Taiwanese living overseas, such as retired software engineer Oliver who is based in the United States and declined to reveal his surname.

He has been in Taiwan since last November for arrangements for his mother's funeral, and attended the rallies of the DPP and KMT yesterday.

"Since I'm here, I think I should come to vote,”  said the 73-year-old, adding that he felt the current government has been in power for too long.

"Voting is something every citizen needs to do, it is a basic right. I have no problem with each person having different needs and having their own bias."

Another voter, who’s working in the US civil service and wanted to be known as Ms Lin, said she relished voting for the first time in Taiwan in over 30 years. 

The 54-year-old, who was back in Taiwan to visit family, said she is voting based on the preference of her family, adding that each candidate has his positive and negative sides.

"I'm not very involved in politics but I do think it's the obligation of citizens to vote," she said.

Additional reporting by Tan Si Hui and Lauren Ong.