Taiwan looks set to elect the island's 11,000 local officials on Saturday, including the mayors of major cities Taipei and Kaohsiung.
On the same day, voters will also be required to answer ten referendum questions, including whether to legalise same-sex marriage and whether to apply to participate in international sporting events as Taiwan.
Local elections
Just like the midterm elections of the US, the election will be a litmus test in satisfaction for the island's ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and President Tsai Ing-wen.
The result could significantly affect the presidential and legislative elections in 2020.
Despite controlling the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, for past two years, the DPP and President Tsai has faced an uphill battle in implementing policies on key items such as veteran welfare reforms, nuclear energy, same-sex marriage and maintaining fragile bilateral relations with mainland China.
A picture of Tsai Ing-wen, during a rally campaign ahead of the Taiwanese presidential election on January 15, 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. Source: Getty Images
The relationship between Taiwan and China has become increasingly hostile over the past year as leaders on the island openly expressed their desire to establish an independent state.
Taiwan's export economy has been hit as a result of the deterioration of relations with China, whose ruling Communist Party considers the island part of its territory.
Xi Jinping Source: Getty Images
Although the relationship with China may affect the preference of voters, it must be emphasised that the election candidates directed much of their focus on local economic and social matters.
Some political analysts predicted that in some key cities, the DPP could be defeated by the Kuomintang, also known as the Nationalist Party, who has vowed to improve Taiwan's local economy.
Seeking support from Taiwanese people abroad
Taiwan recognises dual citizenship and its expat communities are granted the right to vote elections - which has led some candidates to seek support abroad.
President Tsai called on Taiwanese people abroad to return home to vote this month, .
Taiwanese-Australians who live in Brisbane spoke with SBS Mandarin about who they were supporting for the ballot but said they would not be returning to the island to cast their votes due to financial constraints.
"I won't go back to Taiwan for this election. It is to do with my work hours," Lisa said.
Mr Zhi said he wanted to "return and cast a vote," but said, "the airfare is a bit expensive".
Lisa believed the DPP would face a "dangerous result" on the national level as a result of the election but predicted a victory for the party in her hometown of Pingdong.
"If we simply look at the DPP's position, I think the values of democracy and progress have been lost since a long time ago," she said.
"In terms of supposedly serious positions like Taiwan independence and in terms of safeguarding the people's interests, it has already lost its essence."
Andy forecasted that the DPP would lose three major cities and said: "The people are actually dissatisfied with the governance results of the past two years".
"No party can hold onto absolute power forever," said Jeffery, adding that "there is always the so-called changeover of ruling parties".
Meanwhile, DPP supporter Weng Xingxian believes all political parties "have shortcomings", but "after all, the DPP loves Taiwan more and is better versed in democracy".
Taiwanese people holding frames reading 'Say Yes To Taiwan' and 'Call Us Taiwan at Tokyo Olympics,' urging people to vote in favor for the name change Source: AAP
Referendum
Ten referendum questions will be included on the election ballot paper.
Five of the questions approved by the Central Election Commission relate to whether to legalise same-sex marriage, as well as LGBT rights and LGBT sex education.
Four other questions regard nuclear power, coal power and import bans, and whether the island should apply to compete at international sporting events, such as the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, as Taiwan.
