Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) yesterday confirmed his eligibility to run in the party’s chair election next month and announced plans for a nationwide campaign tour.
Lo wrote on Facebook that KMT headquarters had approved his candidacy, adding that he would begin touring Taiwan to share his vision with party members through policy forums and meetings.
The KMT is to elect a new leader on Oct. 18.
Photo: Screen grab from Lo’s Facebook page
Incumbent Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) said he would step down, while Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) has ruled out running.
Other people who have expressed interest in running include Sun Yat-sen School president Chang Ya-chung (張亞中), former Changhua County magistrate Cho Po-yuan (卓伯源) and former legislator Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文).
Lo’s bid had been in doubt, because candidates must hold a Central Committee or Central Advisory Committee post to be eligible to run for chairman.
However, Chu’s aides on Saturday said that he would soon appoint Lo to the advisory committee, clearing the way for his candidacy.
If elected, Lo vowed to work to oust President William Lai (賴清德), restore fairness for what he called victims of political persecution and “bring democracy back on track.”
Lo pledged support for suspended KMT Taipei branch chief Huang Lu Chin-ru (黃呂錦茹), Taiwan People’s Party founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and KMT staff facing prosecution.
There has also been speculation that former Taipei mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) might join the race.
Hau has not declared an intent to run, but has recently voiced support for Ko and visited former KMT chairman Wu Po-hsiung (吳伯雄), moves seen as signaling interest.
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