The historic evolution of Taiwanese politics continued last weekend as the Nationalist Party, the KMT, lost control of the legislature, its last political stronghold. In a landslide vote, the Democratic Progressive Party, headed by President Chen Shui-bian, emerged as the island government's strongest political force. The DPP did not win a majority, however, which will require the creation of a solid coalition to tackle the island's two most pressing concerns: the worst economic crisis in Taiwan's postwar history and mending relations with China.
The DPP, which controlled just one-third of the legislature before the vote, increased its representation to 87 seats, about 40 percent of the 225-seat body. The Nationalists, who previously held 108 seats, lost almost half, winning only 68 seats despite predictions that they would win 85. Two other parties formed by former members of the KMT also did well. The People First Party won 46 seats, more than doubling its previous count, and the Taiwan Solidarity Union, formed by supporters of former President Lee Teng-hui, claimed 13. Independents and fringe parties won the remaining seats.
The outcome was anticipated. The Nationalists' grip on power has been slipping since President Chen came to power last year. The KMT has repeatedly fractured in recent years. Yet while each high-profile defection has weakened the party and cost it the presidency for the first time in half a century, the Nationalists retained sufficient strength to control the legislature and frustrate Mr. Chen's legislative agenda.