Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) would consent to taking a poll as a reference to merge his presidential bid with that of the Chinese Nationalist Party’s (KMT) presidential candidate, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜), Ko’s campaign office said yesterday.
The TPP believes that polling by a credible third party could ensure the strongest opposition candidate takes the field, Ko campaign spokeswoman Chen Chih-han (陳智菡) said, adding that the loser should quit the race.
Her remarks came a day after Ko said a TPP-KMT alliance is to happen in the election, but its form is still being discussed.
Photo: Liu Hsin-de, Taipei Times
Chen said Ko’s position is that he would establish a coalition government made of talent from across the political divide, and he hopes to facilitate Taiwan’s transition toward a parliamentary system.
The integration would facilitate a shift from “hostility and confrontation” to “harmony and cooperation” in inter-party relations, she added.
KMT spokesperson Yang Chih-yu (楊智?) said the KMT and the TPP were seeking a middle ground for a possible collaboration, and the KMT would consider any suggestions with patience and empathy.
KMT caucus convener William Tseng (曾銘宗) said that the move toward cooperation is driven by the people’s choice and that integration would succeed in spite of the obstacles and challenges.
When asked if Ko’s remarks signaled an attempt by the TPP to capture KMT voters, Tseng said it is natural for political parties to try to maximize popular support.
The KMT respects the consideration of other parties, he said, adding that while the talks go on, the KMT also strives to secure undecided and young votes, and anyone who might support its candidates.
Meanwhile, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co founder Terry Gou’s (郭台銘) presidential campaign spokesman Huang Shih-hsiu (黃士修) said that the problem with Ko’s proposal is that it does not specify who would get to choose the credible polling agency and leaves out how credibility would be assessed.
Additional reporting by CNA
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