Taiwanese MPs fought each other on Friday over controversial bills, which could harm the self-ruled island’s “democratic system”.

Scores of lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which is headed by Lai Ching-te, had occupied the podium of the parliament’s main chamber since Thursday night and barricaded themselves inside – piling up chairs to block entrances.

The DPP parliamentarians were attempting to stop three legal amendments proposed by the opposition bloc, which would make it more difficult for voters to oust elected officials who they see as unfit.