The researcher sought to assess the election participation of overseas Filipinos in Taiwan in terms of registration and election, as well as the challenges faced by Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Manila Economic and Cultural Offices (MECOs), and the proposed recommendations to strengthen citizens’ engagement. The researcher used a mixed method approach, specifically utilizing the Triangulation Design under the Convergence Model. This design combines elements of quantitative and qualitative research to answer the research questions. Applying purposive and snowball sampling techniques, a survey questionnaire was distributed to overseas Filipinos in Taiwan to assess their election participation. On the other hand, judgmental technique was used to gather qualitative data through series of interviews from key participants of the COMELEC and MECOs. The researcher analyzed the results using different statistical treatments, such as simple percentage, ordinal simple percentage, weighted mean, qualitative data analysis and narrative analysis. The study revealed that the factors affecting the election participation of the overseas Filipinos in Taiwan were time constraints, limited access to voting centers, lack of information, and lack of interest which contributes to the statistical gaps in the voter turnout from 2004 to 2022 National Election Overseas, with an average of seventy percent (70%) of overseas voters who did not vote. This result weakened the citizen engagement of the overseas Filipinos in Taiwan with respect to registration and election processes. The study also showed that there were additional challenges faced and encountered by the COMELEC, especially the Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV), and MECOs, such as manpower and logistics constraints, low turnout rate due to lack of awareness and information by the overseas Filipinos in Taiwan, limited locations of registration and voting centers, lack of interest to vote, unavailability of the overseas Filipinos in programs and forums, modes of voting adopted, and existing laws on in-person registration and voting requirement. This study recommended various activities, reforms and programs to strengthen the citizen engagement of the overseas Filipinos in Taiwan.

Keywords: election participation, voter’s registration, Overseas Filipinos in Taiwan, citizen engagement, Manila Economic and Cultural Offices (MECOs), Commission on Election (COMELEC)