The movement clamoring for Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Lien Chan (連戰) to continue in his post after his term ends this August gained steam yesterday with KMT vice chairman Chiang Pin-kung (江丙坤) adding his support.
In reaction, however, Lien reiterated yesterday that he no plans to run.
Speaking in response to calls for him to run in the KMT's July 16 chairmanship election, Lien said yesterday afternoon that while the party's bylaws did not prevent him from entering the election, "to be honest, [he] has never had such thoughts."
Lien said he believed in the democratic processes of the party and indirectly addressed worries that competition between the election's two candidates, Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
He did not want the party's future direction to be lost because of the chairmanship election, Lien said.
KMT Secretary-General Lin Feng-cheng (林豐正) also said yesterday that he has faith in the quality of the party's supporters and of the chairmanship candidates.
"I do not feel that the election will cause division. So long as the winner was elected by the majority of the [KMT's] supporters, then I believe the election will only serve to further unify the party. Only in this way, does the party have hope," Lin said.
While Lien has said many times previously that he has no plans to run again for the party's chairmanship, a growing number of KMT supporters have called on him to continue, stating that only through his guidance can the pan-blue camp and the KMT remain united.
Despite Lien's words, Chiang added his voice to the movement yesterday morning. He plans to sign a petition started by KMT Legislator Hou Tsai-feng (
Speaking in response to media questions, Chiang said that the Taiwanese people need someone to deal with cross-strait politics and economic problems, and that he considered Lien the best candidate for such jobs.
As a result, Chiang said he would sign the petition.
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