Taoyuan: The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has decided to maintain its “two-year clause” for at-large legislators after opting not to amend the rule at the party’s annual congress in Taoyuan.

According to Focus Taiwan, the rule, introduced by party founder and former chairman Ko Wen-je, mandates that at-large lawmakers resign halfway through their four-year term. Their positions are then filled by the next candidates on the TPP’s party list. The rationale behind the rule is to broaden political participation, provide more party members with legislative experience, and cultivate new political talent.

However, there is opposition to the rule, with critics arguing that requiring the resignation of eight at-large lawmakers in January 2026 could weaken the TPP, especially as Ko is currently detained in a corruption investigation.

The decision to retain the clause was made during the TPP’s national congress, which coincided with the party’s sixth anniversary. The TPP, established in 2019 with approximately 100 members, now boasts around 30,000 registered members. The congress agenda included reports from the central headquarters and legislative caucus, along with proposals concerning party regulations and nomination rules.

Chairman Huang Kuo-chang informed attendees that he had reached an agreement with Ko, allowing the former Taipei mayor to have the final decision on amending the two-year clause. Subsequently, the congress approved the decision to maintain the clause by acclamation.

Due to time constraints, the proposal regarding the clause did not undergo substantive discussion before the session concluded. The congress formally resolved not to deliberate on whether to suspend or uphold the rule.

Huang emphasized that the party’s current focus is on legislative work and expanding its grassroots presence, noting that the eight at-large lawmakers will be assigned significant roles after their resignation.