In a continuing struggle within the KMT over who should represent the party in a crucial local by-election, party officials appear to be buying more time as they face continued resistance from yet another would-be candidate. The election for the post of commissioner is seen as a litmus test in the run-up to next year's presidential polls.
In an apparent attempt to further convince Deputy Director-General of the National Police Administration (NPA) Wang Chun (
Party officials continued to meet late into last night in an attempt to solve the impasse, with contradictory claims over whether or not Wang had accepted the nomination. An official said Yunlin County Council speaker Chen Ching-hsiu (
One KMT spokesman said if Wang Chun insists on turning down the nomination, current Yunlin County KMT chairman Chang Cheng-hsiung (
Following the refusal three days ago by Taipei District Court judge Wang Pei-chih (
Further meetings are planned for this morning before the party's Central Standing Committee finalizes the appointment of a nominee. Vice President Lien Chan (連戰) was scheduled to attend the discussions.
In order to pressure Wang Chun to join the race, KMT heavyweights continued meeting with him, among them, Premier Vincent Siew (
Although facing enormous pressure from party officials, Wang said yesterday that due to personal considerations, he had no option but to refuse the party's offer.
"Time will not wait for me, and time is the biggest factor to influence my decision," Wang said.
He explained that the by-election is scheduled for Oct. 16, which means he has less than a month to prepare his campaign.
"I would have to visit a town a day. It's `mission impossible'," he said.
He added that he would be eligible to retire from his current post in two years.
"If by accepting the nomination I have to quit my current position and throw myself into an unexpected election race, I have to admit that would I lack any real incentive to participate," he said.
Chang Cheng-hsiung, the other possible nominee, yesterday echoed Wang's sentiment.
"Time is the most crucial element in determining by-election results. The longer the delay, the more disadvantageous our position," Chang said.
He appeared optimistic about his party's chances of winning, regardless of which candidate will stand in the by-election.
"The KMT will take at least 50 to 60 percent of the votes in Yunlin County. As long as we select a good candidate, I have great confidence we will keep the county," he said.
When asked whether he has any intention to run, Chang implied that there was little choice involved when it came down to it.
"I am a party official. I have to no alternative but to respect the party's decision," Chang said.
The by-election was made necessary after the death last month of the late county commissioner Su Wen-hsiung (
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