Only 10 per cent of the nearly one million Taiwanese living in China plan to fly home to vote in democratic elections on Saturday, forgoing their vote as hopes for a China-friendly Kuomintang win dims.

Most from the self-governed island chain who work in China apparently do not see the point.

In a sign of anaemic interest, the South East Travel Service took more than three weeks to fill a 300-seat charter flight from Shanghai for the election, according to its ticket sales department.

Airlines have also trimmed prices on commercial flights to try to entice would-be voters.

Taiwan's presidential candidates James Soong, 73 Eric Chu, 54 Tsai Ing-wen, 59 People First Party Kuomintang Democratic Progressive Party Assisted reformist KMT president Lee Teng-hui to rise Former secretary to KMT president Chiang Ching-kuo Current mayor of New Taipei, replaced pro-China candidate Hsiu-chu in October Former vice premier Former fair trade commissioner and non-partisan head of MAC Served under Lee Teng-hui on National Security Council

The KMT said it expected around 100,000 Taiwanese businessmen to return to vote this time — about half the turnout of four years ago when its then man won a second term by a slim 6 per cent margin.

Around 40,000 Taiwanese living in Shanghai may return, said Eddie Hu, executive vice chairman of Shanghai's Taiwan Business Association.

Four years ago 70,000 made the trip.

"There isn't a problem with the price. The problem is whether or not people's hearts are in it for Taiwan," he said.

"If you don't have your heart in it, you're still not going to go back even if the ticket's cheaper."

Few have benefited more than Taiwan's expatriate businessmen in China under the warmer cross-strait ties, and the 23 trade deals inked since the KMT's Ma Ying-jeou became president in 2008.

But it is this cosiness with China espoused by the KMT that has ultimately undermined the party.

Many voters are suspicious of a perceived growing economic dependence on China and are supporting the DPP this time round.

Taiwanese expatriates are seen as more likely to vote for the pro-business and pro-China KMT, who espouse stronger ties with the mainland and oppose Taiwan independence.

They made a difference in the 2008 and 2012 elections that delivered the incumbent KMT leader the presidency.

But with the party in disarray and independence-leaning opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Tsai Ing-wen almost assured the presidency — and the legislature for the first time in history — far fewer Taiwanese businessmen think the trip is worth it.

"This year, the passion isn't half as strong as in previous years," said businessman David Chai, chairman of the Taiwan Business Association, in the manufacturing hub of Dongguan, north of Hong Kong.

"A lot of people think that it's maybe not worth it to vote."

In Dongguan, as many as 40,000 Taiwanese went home to vote that year, but Mr Chai expects only 10,000-15,000 to go this year.

Taiwan and China have found common ground in recent years in encouraging vast numbers of Taiwanese living in China to return home for elections, even though the mainland does not allow it for themselves.

"This isn't about one election. It's about Taiwan's future," said a Shanghai-based Taiwanese executive, KMT supporter and returning voter who declined to be named.

"The question is whether the KMT will continue to exist or not. I'm just voting to show my support."

Mr Chai, the business association leader from Dongguan, says he is heeding the call of civic duty.

"It may not be able to change the result," he said. "But as a citizen I still need to vote."

Reuters