Following the resignation of former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) chairman Ma Ying-jeou (
The KMT is planning to hold the by-election to select a new chairman in mid-April after Ma resigned on Feb. 13, but no members have expressed willingness to take over the position.
In response to press inquiries about his intentions, Wu said his current priority was to promote KMT unity.
"I am not considering running for the by-election. My duty as Acting Chairman is to unite the KMT," Wu said yesterday during a trip to Taichung County.
Although Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (
Wu also denied a story in the Chinese-language United Daily News that the KMT is planning to arrange for Wang to take over the chairmanship and for Ma to be the party's candidate in next year's presidential election.
According to KMT Secretary-General Wu Den-yih (
KMT members interested in becoming chairman can become a candidate for the position by collecting signatures from at least 5 percent of party members.
If there are more than two candidates, the party may arrange televised debates for them to present their platforms, Wu Den-yih said.
While Wu Poh-hsiung said he expected the new chairman to be elected within 45 days to assist with the upcoming legislative and presidential elections, Wu Den-yih said the KMT will follow all the required procedures to ensure a fair by-election.
Meanwhile, Ma has not made any public appearances since Monday to concentrate on preparing for his upcoming presidential campaign.
As the KMT does not provide campaign funding until after it chooses a candidate in a presidential primary, the former chairman will have to raise funds through his own office.
Ma will still attend a 228 memorial service held by the KMT tomorrow as a guest and have lunch with family members of 228 victims in Tainan County.
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