The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) yesterday confirmed rumors that it might “conscript” television host Belle Yu (于美人) as a candidate for next year’s legislative elections.
DPP Taipei Chapter Chairperson Huang Cheng-kuo (黃承國) said that Yu would be an ideal candidate in many Taipei constituencies, including the districts of Wenshan (文山), Nangang (南港), Neihu (內湖), Xinyi (信義) and southern Songshan (松山).
Yu said there is a “50 percent chance” that she would enter the race for the districts of Wenshan and southern Zhongzheng (中正) on a DPP ticket.
Photo courtesy of Super TV
The constituency has long been viewed as a “deep blue” stronghold for the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), with KMT Legislator Lai Shyh-bao (賴士葆) winning more than 63 percent of the vote in 2012.
If she declares her candidacy in Wenshan-southern Zhongzheng, Yu might face several candidates from “third force” parties, as the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the Trees Party have announced candidates for the constituency.
SDP Secretary-General Urda Yen (嚴婉玲) said the party would support its own candidate, human rights activist Miao Po-ya (苗博雅), adding that Yu might not see an advantage under the DPP’s banner.
The Chinese-language Apple Daily reported that Trees Party candidate Pan Han-sheng (潘翰聲) said that “third force” parties have named stronger candidates in terms of both personal character and political ideals.
Pan added that he would not accept any proposals for backing out of the race based on comparative opinion poll results involving Yu.
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