With the Nov. 27 elections around the corner, the two candidates in the Taipei mayoral race yesterday launched their campaign groups and called on local supporters to help widen their support base.
Launching the campaign group for their candidate, Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei City branch legislators and local members took to the street to generate support.
Branch director Chuang Ruei-hsiung (莊瑞雄) said that rather than holding large campaign events or rallies, the DPP would form similar campaign groups and organize local door-to-door visits, which he said was a more effective way to expand Su’s support base.
Photo: CNA
“We want to use a more personalized and moderate approach to solicit support and we are hoping to convince more pan-green supporters to cast their vote,” Chuang said.
MEMBERS
DPP Legislator Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) and Pan Men-an (潘孟安), former Cabinet secretary-general Lee Ying-yuan (李應元) and former Government Information Office minister Yao Wen-chih (姚文智) are all expected to join the campaign group.
Photo: CNA
As recent polls have shown the battle between Su and his Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) opponent, Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌), remains a very close one, Lee said the DPP would redouble its efforts to appeal to swing voters.
Visiting local markets in Xinyi District (信義), Su blasted the city government for what he called the poor quality of municipal -infrastructure. He made his criticism at a footbridge at the -intersection of Xinyi Road and Keelung Road.
“Although there are 90 pedestrian overpasses in Taipei City, they are either in poor condition or are rarely used by residents. The city government should not turn the bridges into landscape killers,” he said.
RENOVATION
In response, Hau said the city had plans to start renovating the land bridges starting next month and again called on his opponent to present a solid platform rather than criticize his projects.
“We will address the issues raised by Su and the residents. However, I think as a mayoral candidate, Mr Su should tell residents more about his campaign platform,” Hau said.
Hau’s team has invited local community members to campaign for Hau, who acknowledged he was facing a tough battle and said he would use the final weeks to canvass the streets and connect with voters.
The KMT is scheduled to hold a large rally for Hau on Nov. 21.
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