Taiwan is set to hold general elections on January 11, 2020, to elect the president, vice president and the 113 members of its parliament. The Republic of China, Taiwan has a presidential system of democracy with a unicameral legislature.

The Candidates

Taiwan’s politics has been dominated by two parties, the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). The DPP is the ruling party and its candidate, incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen, is seeking re-election in 2020. The KMT candidate is Han Kuo-yu, the mayor of the port city, Kaohsiung.

Ideologies

China will be a prominent feature in the 2020 presidential campaign. According to VOA: “China is expected to define the late-year campaign because the two contenders differ on how to handle it, reflecting divisions among Taiwanese people.”

Taiwan has had a strained relationship with its neighbour, the People’s Republic of China. Until 1949, the Republic of China included Taiwan and mainland China. Following the Chinese civil war, the two split, however, mainland China continues to claim sovereignty over Taiwan. While the DPP is seen as pro-independence, the KMT is seen as the pro-unification party.

However, the race is too early to call. According to Huang Kwei-bo, vice dean of the International Affairs College at National Chengchi University in Taipei, “Changes in Taiwan’s elections happen fast.”