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In Focus
“Dabamian” the Great Recall: Taiwan rejects recalling opposition lawmakers
Femy Francis
On 26 July, Taiwanese voters rejected the removal of 24 opposition party lawmakers from their positions due to their closeness with China. The petition called for the recall votes by the DPP, the ruling party of Taiwan, against the KMT for being in cahoots with China. This was also termed “dabamian,” a civic movement started in 2024. This comes in light of the political deadlock between the DPP and the opposition-dominated legislature. Taiwanese citizens from 24 districts, all held by the KMT, voted against their removal. This means none of the lawmakers have to vacate their positions. This has increased the political polarization in Taiwan. The Great Recall divided the society with larger rallies and fierce debate. In 2024, voters chose DPP head William Lai as their President William Lai but the opposition gained presence in the Parliament, “Legislative Yuan.” Since Lai’s tenure, the opposition KMT, with other smaller parties like TPP, blocked DPP bills, while pushing to pass controversial legislation. This led to thousands holding protests known as the Bluebird movement. Protestors believed that the KMT was closer to China and was being influenced by the Chinese agenda.
During the protest under the Bluebird movement, petitions were issued against KMT lawmakers, and the same was done against the DPP lawmakers. Out of which 31 petitions garnered preliminary support for the final recall vote, all of the petitions were under the Kuomintang. The opposition party's support is also rallying support stating that the DPP masterminded the Great Recall and the Bluebird movement, aimed to overturn the election result and gain a majority in the legislative Yuan. Initially, DPP distanced itself from the Bluebird movement but later extended support.
China condemned the recall vote, and its Taiwan Affairs Office claimed that Lai is practicing dictatorship under the guise of democracy and using all means possible to suppress opposition. They noted that this showcases how DPP has been politically manipulating the legislature, as the KMT was able to retain all 24 seats. The spokesperson, Chen Binhua, expressed that DPP is “driven by its pursuit of ‘Taiwan independence' and avarice for one-party monopoly, repeatedly stirred up political strife at the expense of the Taiwan people's well-being.” Additionally, Chen noted that they have resorted to every means to create this “green terror” and encourage political and social divide, revealing their true nature, fake democracy, and real authoritarianism.
Reference:
“'Pro-China' politicians survive Taiwan vote to kick them out,” BBC, 26 July 2025
“'Recall vote' shows DPP's manipulation runs against Taiwan people's will: mainland spokesperson,” CGTN, 27 July 2025
“Taiwan voters reject attempt to recall opposition lawmakers,” Al Jazeera, 26 July 2025
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