Campaigning in the by-election for the Yunlin County Commissioner's post formally kicked off yesterday, just 10 days before the vote.
On day one, DPP candidate Lin Chung-li (林??禮) held a press conference in a boat off the Yunlin coast, while KMT candidate Chang Cheng-hsiung (張正雄) launched his canvassing campaign in Touliu City.
Lin took off from the Wenkang Bridge in Taihsi with reporters on 10 rafts and held his press conference out at sea. Lin said he will stress environmental protection in future development projects and demand benefits in return for the construction of the sixth naphtha cracker plant. Lin also spoke of building a seaside park and setting up satellite industrial zones.
The KMT's Chang expressed confidence that his popularity rating will surpass Lin's in three weeks' time. Lin is currently leading the polls, followed by Chang and independent candidate Chang Jung-wei (
Chang Jung-wei held a press conference at his campaign headquarters in Huwei. Chang's popularity rating has fallen from first to third following accusations that he was involved with a construction company responsible for buildings that collapsed during the 921 earthquake.
The by-election was originally scheduled to be held on Oct. 16, but was postponed to Nov. 6. Some analysts have called the race a proxy election for the KMT and the DPP presidential candidates, as the result could sway the outcome of the March presidential election.
Meanwhile, police have set their sights on more than 30 gangsters who have allegedly entered the county -- possibly to intimidate voters. Police are also investigating for possible "black gold" politicking following reports that more than NT$650 million has been funneled to accounts associated with one of the candidates.
The by-election was made necessary after the death of the incumbent commissioner, Su Wen-hsiung (
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