Taiwan’s President Resigns as Chairwoman of Ruling Political Party After Local Election Upsets

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen announces her resignation as Democratic Progressive Party chair to take responsibility for the party's performance in the local elections in Taipei, Taiwan, on Nov. 26, 2022. Ann Wang/Reuters

After Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost many seats in the “nine-in-one” local election held on Nov. 26, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen resigned as head of the DPP, but will remain the president of Taiwan until her term ends in 2024.

In the local-issues-focused election, candidates from the DPP, the opposition Nationalist Party or Kuomintang (KMT), and the relatively new Taiwan People’s Party competed for mayors, city council members, and other local leaders in all 13 counties and in nine cities. The KMT won 13 cities and counties, including Taipei, the capital city. The DPP only won five cities and counties.