The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has expelled seven party members for registering to run in regional elections against the party’s nominees.
KMT Legislator Fu Kun-chi (傅崑萁) and Hualien County Deputy Commissioner Chang Chih-ming (張志明) were expelled for joining the Hualien County commissioner election, while former KMT legislator Wu Cheng-tien (吳成典) and writer Hsu Ching-ming (?? were expelled for joining the Kinmen County commissioner election.
Former KMT legislator Chen Cheng-sheng (陳振盛) was expelled for registering in the Nantou County commissioner election, while Chiayi City Councilor Lin Sheng-fen (林聖芬) and veterinarian Wu Fu-tung (吳富彤) received the same punishment for joining the Chiayi mayor and Taoyuan County commissioner elections respectively.
The KMT’s Evaluation and Disciplinary Committee met yesterday morning to address the members’ actions.
Director of the committee Juan Kang-meng (阮剛猛) said KMT regulations stipulate that any member who flouts the party’s nomination procedures to register for an election shall be expelled.
The party also expelled Hsinchu County Council Speaker Chang Bi-ching (張碧琴) earlier this month for registering to run for Hsinchu County commissioner.
Juan said the party will also take action against any party members who campaign for the expelled members.
“To maintain party discipline, the party will dole out serious punishment to those who violate party regulations. There are no gray areas,” he said.
Hualien County Commissioner Hsieh Sheng-shan (謝深山), who publicly supported Chang Chih-ming, also faces punishment from the party.
KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung (吳伯雄) said the party had made every effort to negotiate among potential candidates for the regional polls.
“[Expelling these members] is a painful decision, but we have to handle this matter in this way for the sake of party discipline,” he said.
The year-end “three-in-one” elections for mayors and county commissioners, city and county councilors and city and township heads will be held on Dec. 5.
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