Reversing a decision made last Saturday, the People First Party yesterday put the name of Chairman James Soong (
Soong ranks No. 11 on the list.
The change was made after legislator Robert Hsu (徐成焜), who was originally the 11th nominee, turned down the offer.
PFP Vice Chairman Chang Chao-hsiung (張昭雄) said that although a number of Soong's supporters had suggested that Soong should be included on the list, he rejected the proposal because he felt that the limited openings should be awarded to other long-time members.
Chang is also the convener of the party's nomination committee.
He said that since the nominee list was finalized last Saturday, he has received many phone calls from supporters expressing their unhappiness with the party's decision not to include Soong.
Hsu, in the meantime, asked the party to remove his name from the list.
Chang said that the circumstances prompted him to consult Soong yesterday to see if he would change his mind -- and Soong agreed.
A party's share of votes in the legislative elections determines its number of legislator-at-large seats. A total of 41 legislator-at-large seats are available. Based on a forecast of the party's likely performance in the Dec. 1 polls, the PFP could win eight to 10 legislator-at-large seats.
By placing Soong toward the bottom of the list the party may attract more votes from supporters who want to see him enter the legislature.
Chang, however, denied yesterday that his party made the arrangement as a tactic to boost the PFP's legislative campaign, saying the main purpose of the PFP was to form an excellent team in the legislature that could make a real contribution to the nation.
Chang predicted that the PFP would be have no problem winning 11 legislator-at-large seats, in light of its broad popular support.
Additional reporting by Joyce Huang
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