Taiwan Solidarity Union elects Huang as chairman

The Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU) yesterday elected Huang Kun-huei (黃昆輝), secretary-general of the think tank Taiwan Advocates, as its new chairman.

Huang will fill the post left vacant by Shu Chin-chiang (蘇進強), who resigned on Dec. 25 to take responsibility for the party's poor performance in the Taipei and Kaohsiung mayoral elections.

Huang was the only candidate in the party's chairman election.

TSU Secretary-General Lin Chih-chia (林志嘉) yesterday announced the election outcome during a press conference after a temporary Central Executive Committee elected Huang, lauding Huang's rich political experience and long-term efforts to promote official independence.

Lin said that committee members resigned yesterday after the election and new members would be elected shortly.

Huang, who served as the presidential office secretary-general under former president Lee Teng-hui (李登輝), vowed to continue working for official independence so that the nation could become a "normal country."

He also pledged to reform the party and help the party improve its performance in this year's legislative election.

Huang was reportedly Lee's first choice for the position. The former president reportedly called up Huang, encouraging him to take the position.

Huang's election to the post will be formally announced during the TSU convention on Friday at the Taipei Ambassador Hotel, which will be followed by an inauguration ceremony.