Democratic Dawn: Taiwan's Pivotal 1996 National Assembly Election
An in-depth examination of the electoral dynamics and outcomes that shaped Taiwan's democratic landscape during a pivotal year.
Explore Overview ๐ View Results ๐Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
๐ฎ Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game๐ฎ
Election Overview
A Landmark Electoral Event
The 1996 National Assembly elections in the Republic of China (Taiwan) were held on March 23, 1996. This date was particularly significant as it coincided with the nation's first direct presidential election, marking a critical juncture in Taiwan's democratic evolution. The National Assembly, as a key legislative body, played a vital role in the constitutional framework of the Republic of China.
Kuomintang's Victory
The elections concluded with a decisive victory for the Kuomintang (KMT), which secured a majority of the seats. Out of a total of 334 seats in the National Assembly, the KMT won 183. This outcome reaffirmed the KMT's prominent position in Taiwanese politics, albeit with a notable shift in the broader political landscape.
Voter Engagement
The elections saw a robust participation from the electorate, with a voter turnout of 76.2%. Such a high turnout underscores the public's engagement and the perceived importance of these elections, especially given their concurrent timing with the historic presidential vote.
Detailed Results
Electoral Performance by Party
The table below provides a comprehensive breakdown of the votes, percentages, and seat allocations for each political party and independent candidates in the 1996 National Assembly election. This data highlights the distribution of political power and the shifts in electoral support during this period.
Political Parties
Kuomintang (KMT)
As the dominant political force, the Kuomintang secured 183 seats, representing 49.68% of the popular vote. While a clear victory, this result also indicated a reduction of 71 seats compared to previous elections, signaling a dynamic shift in the political landscape and increased competition from emerging parties.
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)
The Democratic Progressive Party emerged as a significant opposition force, garnering 29.93% of the votes and securing 99 seats. This marked a substantial gain of 33 seats, demonstrating the DPP's growing influence and its role in shaping Taiwan's multi-party democracy.
New Party
The New Party, a relatively new entrant, made a notable impact by capturing 13.59% of the popular vote and winning 46 seats. Its emergence as a new force in the National Assembly reflected a diversification of political representation and voter preferences.
Other Contenders
Several other parties and independent candidates also participated in the election, contributing to the democratic process. These included the Green Party Taiwan, Taiwan Indigenous Party, Chinese Youth Party, Labor Party, and Modern Progressive Party, though none secured seats. Independents collectively won 6 seats, an increase of 4, indicating some localized support outside established party structures.
Historical Context
A Dual Electoral Milestone
The 1996 National Assembly election was intrinsically linked to the broader democratic reforms unfolding in Taiwan. Its simultaneous occurrence with the first direct presidential election represented a profound constitutional and political transformation. This dual electoral event underscored Taiwan's commitment to democratic principles and its transition from an authoritarian past to a vibrant, multi-party system.
International Observation
The conduct and outcomes of these elections were closely observed by the international community, serving as a testament to Taiwan's democratic progress in East Asia. The peaceful and orderly execution of such significant electoral processes further solidified Taiwan's standing as a democratic entity.
Political Significance
Shifting Political Dynamics
The 1996 National Assembly election results, particularly the KMT's reduced majority and the gains made by the DPP and the New Party, indicated a significant shift in Taiwan's political landscape. This suggested a move towards a more pluralistic political environment, where diverse voices and ideologies gained greater representation within the legislative framework.
Emergence of Multi-Party Competition
The election outcomes highlighted the increasing competitiveness of Taiwan's political system. The rise of opposition parties and the notable performance of new political entities demonstrated that the era of single-party dominance was evolving into a more dynamic and contested electoral arena, fostering greater accountability and representation.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "1996 Taiwanese National Assembly Election" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not definitive political analysis or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for in-depth academic research, primary source analysis, or expert consultation in political science or history. Always refer to scholarly publications, official records, and consult with qualified academics or historians for specific research needs. Never disregard professional academic advice because of something you have read on this website.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.