Early results of the hugely controversial vote indicate the opposition will keep its majority in Taiwan's parliament.

Taiwanese voters rejected a bid to oust about one-fifth of their lawmakers, all from the opposition Nationalist Party, in a recall election Saturday, dampening hopes for the ruling party to flip the balance of power in the self-ruled island's legislature.

An unprecedented recall vote could hand President Lai Ching-te more power by ousting legislative opponents. It could also prompt a response from China.