Politics & Government Guide in Taiwan

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions

Taiwan operates as a semi-presidential republic under President Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party since May 2024. The unicameral Legislative Yuan is divided without a majority party, with the Kuomintang holding a slim edge at 52 seats. The political landscape features tensions over cross-strait relations amid a hung legislature.

Government Type

Semi-presidential republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Lai Ching-te(since 2024)

Head of Government

Premier Cho Jung-tai(Democratic Progressive Party)since 2024

Legislature

Type:unicameral

Lower House:Legislative Yuan (113 seats)

Major Political Parties

Democratic Progressive Party(DPP)

Centre-left to left-wing

51 seats

Kuomintang(KMT)

Centre-right

52 seats

Taiwan People's Party(TPP)

Big tent

8 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 20 and above have full voting rights in presidential, legislative, and local elections.

Recent Developments

Lai Ching-te of the DPP won the 2024 presidential election with 40.05% of the vote
No party secured a legislative majority in 2024 elections: KMT 52 seats, DPP 51 seats, TPP 8 seats
Han Kuo-yu of the KMT elected President of the Legislative Yuan in February 2024

Voting Age20

SuffrageUniversal

Constitution1947

Special municipalities and counties22