Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱), who is running for party chairman, yesterday accused the KMT of favoring Acting Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung (吳伯雄) and using party resources to campaign for him.
While collecting the signatures from party members she needs to register for the by-election, Hung urged the KMT to adopt a neutral stance during the campaigning period. She said the party had helped Wu collect signatures by sending forms to party chapters for members to sign.
model election
"I expect to participate in a fair and democratic by-election for the chairmanship and set a model for future party elections," Hung said yesterday after visiting former KMT chairman Ma Ying-jeou (
In accordance with KMT regulations, Wu and Hung need to collect signatures from at least 3 percent of the party's members by Sunday.
The by-election will be held on April 7 and an inauguration ceremony for the new chairman will be held on April 11.
Seeking both Ma's and Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin's (
no endorsement
While Hau signed Hung's form to show his support, Ma declined to endorse the legislator and suggested that Hung take her complaint directly to the KMT.
"It would be inappropriate [to endorse Hung]. I encourage her to participate in the by-election and I expect the party will hold a competitive but fair by-election," Ma said.
Hung expressed her disappointment at Ma's refusal to sign her form, but said she understood that he wanted to remain neutral.
In response to Hung's complaint, the KMT said Wu would offer his resignation as acting chairman today during the Central Standing Committee meeting and would not take advantage of party resources.
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