Independent Chiayi Mayor Chen Li-chen (
Chen's action intensified the political divide between the north and south of the country as the former is dominated by the KMT, whereas the latter is predominantly controlled by the DPP.
The DPP is actively seeking to expand its regional influence ahead of next year's presidential election.
With two mass inductions of the nation's movers and shakers into the party since last July when President Chen Shui-bian (
The mayor said at yesterday's induction ceremony, presided over by DPP Secretary-General Chang Chun-hsiung (
Chiayi City politics has been dominated by the independent Hsu family for two decades, starting from Hsu Shih-hsian (
Chen served as the acting mayor when Chang Po-ya was invited to become a Cabinet member in 2000. She then won the mayoral election due to the support of the Hsu family faction in December 2001.
Chen said she chose to join the party owing to her connections with the Hsu family, which has been aligned with the DPP for the past 20 years.
Although Chang Po-ya has been alienated from the DPP which she blamed for her falied bid to become vice president of the Examination Yuan last summer, Chen said Chang respected her decision.
Chang Chun-hsiung praised Chen's ability as a public servant who had spared no effort to push for Chiayi's development.
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