Premier Cho, political heavyweights cast ballots in mass recall vote

Taipei, July 26 (CNA) Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) and several other political heavyweights cast their ballots on Saturday morning in a recall vote targeting 24 opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers and the suspended independent mayor of Hsinchu.

July 26: Voting starts to recall KMT legislators, Hsinchu mayor

Cho, who cast his ballot at Municipal Sanmin Junior High School in Taipei's Neihu District, said he was exercising the rights and responsibilities granted to every citizen under the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

The school served as a polling station for the recall vote targeting KMT Legislator Lee Yen-hsiu (李彥秀), who represents Taipei's 4th electoral district.

Speaking with reporters after casting his ballot, the premier urged eligible voters to head to the polls, saying people should value their voting rights and make the most of the opportunity.

Polling stations across Taiwan opened at 8 a.m., with voting set to continue until 4 p.m., followed by an immediate count.

Cho also addressed reconstruction and repair efforts underway in Tainan and Chiayi County following damage from Typhoon Danas, praising those involved in the recovery work.

The premier also said he visited the family of Taipower technician Lee Yuan-han (李元瀚), who died from critical injuries after being electrocuted while repairing typhoon-damaged power lines.

Elsewhere in Taipei, Chen Pei-chi (陳佩琪), wife of former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) leader Ko Wen-je (柯文哲), arrived at the Jinou Girls High School polling station in Da'an District, accompanied by KMT lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) and Taipei City Councilor Chang Chih-hao (張志豪).

Chen said it was her first time voting without Ko, who remains in detention on corruption charges, and expressed dismay that he was denied the right to vote after the Taipei High Administrative Court rejected his request on Friday.

Meanwhile, former President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) and New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) were seen at polling stations in Taipei and New Taipei.

When approached by reporters, Hou commented only on the good weather and urged voters to turn out to help "create a better future for Taiwan."

In Taichung, Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) was seen arriving at the Jian Xing Elementary School polling station in the morning but did not stop to speak with reporters.