Despite an apparent loss of support among voters for the DPP's pro-independence stance, the three hopefuls in the chairmanship election expressed their strong conviction on the need to keep pursuing the party's fundamental goal of gaining recognition for Taiwan as an independent state.

The candidates were speaking at a DPP delegate convention where they presented their platforms ahead of the May 18 chairmanship election.

Touching on the pledge by the incoming Kuomintang government to forge closer links with China, former senior presidential adviser Koo Kwan-min, one of the three candidates, said Taiwan's economy does not need to depend on China.

"We should not unconditionally compromise on cross-strait issues," said the 82-year-old candidate. "If we stick to our principles and claim our independence, I believe China and the U.S. will eventually change their stance."

Former Vice Premier Tsai Ing-wen, who is seen as the front runner in the race, promised to continue to focus on promoting the democracy and sovereignty of the country. She said that one of the major challenges ahead was how to adhere to the DPP's core values, including its stance on Taiwan identity.

Tsai said she will attempt to help the international community to understand and accept Taiwan's status as an independent state.

"The KMT's economic and cross-strait policies could lead to an economic bubble, which will hurt the middle and lower class," Tsai said, reaffirming the DPP's role as a fighter for social justice.

Incumbent lawmaker Trong Chai, who is also seeking to lead the DPP, rejected President-elect Ma Ying-jeou's recent statement on the the status of cross- strait relations as defined in the so-called "92-consensus" -- "one China, but with different interpretations."

Chai said the future DPP chairman should lobby the world, and especially the U.S., to accept Taiwan's claim to independence.

All three candidates pointed to the importance of reuniting the party from top to bottom, especially the local party branches in the counties, as a means of helping the DPP to regain power.

Koo said the party needs to reform its local party apparatus and strengthen the communication between central and grassroots party members whom he described as the key force in elections.

"Only through mobilization of the members in the counties can we restore the voters' confidence," he said.

Chai also emphasized the importance of regaining political ground in the local counties, and he encouraged more party members to participate in local public affairs.

"We need to rebuild our relationship with the people in the local counties," Chai said, adding that next year's county magistrate elections could determine the party's future.

An estimated 250,000 party members are eligible to vote in the chairman election, which will be held in counties around the island.

A televised debate will be held May 10, one week before the election.

The DPP's acting chairman Frank Hsieh, who lost the March 22 presidential election to Ma, said at the meeting that the three candidates are not pursuing money or fame, but rather are seeking the well-being of the party.