TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Keelung's government, under Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑), is working to deal with the aftermath of Typhoon Krathon as he prepares to defend his administration in an upcoming recall vote on Sunday (Oct. 13). 

The Central Election Commission scheduled the recall vote in August after a successful petition drive by the Shanhai citizens' movement this summer. A televised recall briefing and debate is scheduled for Monday night (Oct. 7), which will give Hsieh and the leader of the movement, Tai Ching-an (戴璟安), the chance to appeal to voters ahead of the recall, reported UDN. 

The campaign to recall Hsieh was largely triggered due to his involvement in a scandal related to the proprietorship and management of Keelung’s E-Square Mall. The campaigners alleged that Hsieh’s administration displayed incompetence in multiple areas of governance.

Last Thursday (Oct. 3), Keelung was hit with heavy rains, which caused a landslide that damaged 12 government vehicles and a waste disposal facility. Hsieh has sought to display his competence as a leader and focus on disaster relief efforts, while dispelling criticisms about the state and maintenance of Keelung’s drainage systems. 

Before Typhoon Krathon, the Shanhai citizens' movement organized a music festival and speaking forum on Saturday (Oct. 5) to rally the public and draw attention to the recall effort. Despite criticism from some residents, the festival was held as scheduled. 

On Sunday (Oct. 6), Hsieh was asked about the music festival and upcoming recall. Hsieh said that he is focused solely on disaster relief and that holding politically charged events at this time is not helpful for the city, per UDN.