Voters ignoring China

Voters have headed to the polls across Taiwan in a closely watched local election that will determine the strength of the island’s major political parties ahead of a 2024 presidential election. There is also a referendum to lower the voting age from 20 to 18. While international observers and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party have attempted to link the elections to the long-term existential threat posed by China, many local experts do not think Taiwan’s neighbour has a large role to play this time around. Instead, campaigning has focused on local issues like Taiwan’s Covid19 vaccine purchasing strategies, which left the island in short supply during an outbreak last year. Analysts say a 2024 presidential bid by outgoing Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party will be affected by his party’s performance.