The election comes a month after the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China, where President Xi Jinping secured an unprecedented third term in office – a point Tsai has made repeatedly on the campaign trail.
Although the result of Taiwan’s election will be an important measure of popular support for both parties, it cannot be read as an auspicious sign for the next presidential and parliamentary races in 2024.
Tsai and the DPP overwhelmingly defeated the KMT in 2020, despite their setback in the 2018 local elections. Her second term in office expires in 2024 and she cannot run for president again due to term limits.
Both parties have focused their efforts on wealthy and populous northern Taiwan, especially the capital Taipei, whose mayor, from the smaller Taiwan People’s Party, cannot stand again after two terms.
Taiwan’s elections are raucous and colorful affairs, with candidates touring their districts on the backs of trucks and SUVs seeking endorsements, music blaring and campaign flags waving.
There is also a vote on lowering the voting age from 20 to 18, which both parties support.
The election result should be clear by Saturday evening.