In the early days of the DPP, the tenure of chairman was only one year.

After amendments to the constitution of the DPP in 2000, the incumbent President of the Republic of China, if whom is a member of the Party, shall be the chairperson of the DPP upon assuming office and until the end of the tenure.

When in opposition, the chairman shall be directly elected by members of the DPP with a two-year term of office, renewable once.

When vacancy of chairmanship occurs and that the remaining term of office is within a year, the Central Committee shall elect a new chair amongst themselves.

Before the amendments to the constitution, the vice-chairperson shall be acting chairman during vacancy.