Voters in Taiwan were casting ballots on Saturday on whether to recall one-fifth of the island's parliament, all from the major opposition party, in a move supporters hope will send a message to China and opponents say is an assault on democracy.

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

Votes favouring recall could shift balance of power in the parliament in favour of Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te