The Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) is to announce its mayoral nominees for New Taipei City, Yilan County and Chiayi City on March 11, then begin talks with the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) to field joint opposition candidates, a party official said yesterday.
The two parties would set up a joint task force to discuss coordination and determine the most electable contenders in the three key battlegrounds for the this year’s local elections, KMT Organizational Development Committee director Lee Che-hua (李哲華) told a news conference.
In New Taipei City, the KMT largely supports Deputy Taipei Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川), who yesterday said he had submitted his resignation to prepare for a mayoral run.
Photo: CNA
The TPP has nominated its chairman, Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌), for the race.
Speaking on a radio program yesterday, Huang said his stance on cooperation with the KMT had not changed, adding that the TPP would work with “the greatest sincerity and goodwill” to form a strong alliance.
He proposed a three-stage process: drafting joint policy platforms, signing a cooperation agreement to clarify rules — including prioritizing incumbents seeking re-election — and implementing the agreed framework.
Asked whether Huang would join Lee Shu-chuan’s team if he becomes the chosen candidate for both parties, Huang said “of course,” while stressing respect for those involved.
In Yilan County, the KMT are to choose between Legislator Wu Tsung-hsien (吳宗憲) and Yilan County Council Speaker Zhang Sheng-de (張勝德) through a telephone poll this week. The TPP has nominated former legislator Chen Wan-hui (陳琬惠).
In Chiayi City, the KMT has tapped physician Weng Shou-liang (翁壽良), while the TPP has selected former legislator Chang Chi-kai (張啟楷).
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