WFD’s latest report on the cost of politics in Taiwan examines the 2024 legislative election as a case study to explore the political costs incurred by candidates running for central-level public office. It investigates the various costs—both tangible (such as financial expenses) and intangible (such as time commitment)—at different stages of the election cycle, from party primaries and campaigning to serving as a legislator. The research aims to answer the following questions: What political costs are necessary in the context of Taiwan’s electoral culture? Do political costs serve as barriers to female or young candidates? What are the implications of political costs for Taiwan’s democratic processes? 

Following the 2005 constitutional amendment, Taiwan’s legislative electoral system was changed to a mixed-member system with two votes per voter. One notable feature of the 11th Legislative Yuan is that 48.7% of its members are first-time legislators—the highest proportion of successful challengers in Taiwan's legislative history. 

The findings from the report show that legislative candidates' campaign expenditures range widely depending on constituency size, with campaigns often costing over TWD 10 million or USD 300,000 on record, significantly more than local-level races. The majority of these funds—58%—were spent on campaign advertising, followed by personnel costs (13%) and event-related expenses (13%). 

Taiwan’s mixed-member majoritarian system structurally favours major parties whose candidates benefit from stronger institutional support, financial backing and established political networks. The emotional and psychological toll of running for office—including stress, public scrutiny, and personal sacrifices—was cited as a major intangible cost, especially for newcomers without party backing or political lineage. 

To find more insights on Taiwan and compare with costs of politics in other countries, visit our cost of politics website.