With the endorsement of former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) chairman Lin I-hsiung (
On the last day of candidate registration for the DPP's chairmanship election, Wong unexpectedly showed up at DDP headquarters yesterday afternoon at about 4:30pm and signed up to run in the race, ahead of the 5pm deadline.
After completing her registration by submitting application forms and paying a NT$1.5 million (US$45,000) deposit, Wong made a short statement before leaving.
"I think the new chairperson should not have the colors of any internal faction. Therefore I hereby announce that I'm leaving the New Tide faction," Wong said as she was mobbed by reporters and cameramen at the exit of the headquarters.
Wong said she had not informed the New Tide faction about her decision, and she had joined the race out of her deep feelings and expectations for the party.
In her campaign statement, Wong said that her grassroots background means that she understands rank-and-file members' eager anticipation regarding the party.
If she serves as chairperson, she will try hard to win back voter support for the DPP, she said.
Wong, 59, failed in her bid to be re-elected as Changhua County commissioner in the Dec. 3 local elections.
Previously, she has served once as convener of the New Tide faction and deputy caucus whip for the DPP's legislative caucus.
Before beginning her political career, Wong was a schoolteacher for 14 years.
While Wong yesterday declined to say whether it was Lin who had persuaded her to contend for the chairpersonship, Lin did have a closed-door meeting with Wong at the county commissioner's office on Monday afternoon.
Lin also contacted DPP Legislator Hong Chi-chang (
Three DPP members registered to run in the chairpersonship race, including former secretary-general of the Presidential Office Yu Shyi-kun, DPP Legislator Chai Trong-rong (
Both Yu and Chai welcomed Wong's entrance to the race.
Hong, of the New Tide faction, said that although he understood that Wong's decision to run was for the good of the party, it did not necessarily mean that he would support her in the election.
Another member of the New Tide faction, DPP caucus whip William Lai (
The New Tide faction decided at a meeting last night not to endorse any specific candidate, but to allow faction members to make up their own mind.
Tuan Yi-kang (段宜康), chief convener of the faction, announced last night that he would resign from the post to take responsibility for Wong's decision to run for DPP chairperson without consulting the faction beforehand.
DPP Legislator Gao Jyh-peng (
The Justice Alliance on Monday agreed to a resolution calling on faction members to refrain from interfering in the election.
The Welfare State Alliance faction on Monday came out in support of Chai's bid.
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