Politics & Government Guide
Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Taiwan
Taiwan operates as a vibrant multi-party democracy with a divided government following the 2024 elections, where DPP's Lai Ching-te holds the presidency but lacks a legislative majority. The KMT leads the unicameral Legislative Yuan with 52 seats, followed closely by DPP's 51 and TPP's 8, leading to coalition negotiations and policy gridlock. Tensions with China remain central to political discourse amid strong democratic institutions.
Political Stability
Good
Corruption Index
Moderate
Democracy Index
Good
Government Type
Unitary semi-presidential republic
Legal System
Civil law system
Head of State
President Lai Ching-te(since 2024)
Head of Government
President of the Executive Yuan Cho Jung-tai(Democratic Progressive Party)since 2024
Political Indicators
Political Stability
Scale: 0-1
Stable
BTI Transformation Index (2024)
Corruption Index
Scale: 0-100
Transparency International (2024)
Press Freedom
Scale: 0-100
Reporters Without Borders (2024)
Democracy Index
Scale: 0-10
Full Democracy
Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)
Legislature
Major Political Parties
Center-right
Center-left
Centrist
Voting Rights
Citizens aged 20 and over have full voting rights in national, local, and presidential elections.
Recent Developments
- 2024 presidential election won by DPP's Lai Ching-te, inaugurated May 20, 2024
- 2024 legislative elections resulted in no majority: KMT 52 seats, DPP 51, TPP 8
- Han Kuo-yu (KMT) elected President of the Legislative Yuan on February 1, 2024
- Ongoing political gridlock between DPP executive and opposition-controlled legislature
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