TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) leads in a new poll as the party’s Kaohsiung mayoral primary tightens into a three-way contest among Chiu, Legislator Hsu Chih-chieh (許智傑), and Legislator Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆).

In hypothetical matchups against Kuomintang Legislator Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), Chiu received 51.9% support, while Hsu and Lai polled at 50% and 50.4% respectively, per UP Media. Legislator Lin Tai-hua (林岱樺), whose early advantage collapsed after she became embroiled in a corruption case, registered 43.3% against Ko.

The survey suggests the KMT is losing ground in Kaohsiung, with Ko trailing all DPP contenders even in districts traditionally more favorable to the party. Local political insiders said recent amendments to the budget allocation law may have soured voter sentiment toward the KMT.

The UP Media poll was conducted Nov. 24–26 among 1,074 respondents, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

Chiu said she will continue adjusting her campaign strategy in response to new polling, per UP Media. Hsu argued his rapid rise in support places him within striking distance.

Lin dismissed the poll as potentially designed to influence public opinion, noting the KMT typically maintains a baseline of about 30% support in Kaohsiung, per UDN. She questioned the survey’s finding that the KMT had only 8% support, pointing out that the party holds 28 of the city council’s 65 seats.

Ko also criticized the poll, echoing concerns about inconsistencies between the poll’s DPP–KMT support levels, per KNews. She cited the R&W Index poll for the 2022 Taipei mayoral race, which incorrectly showed DPP candidate Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) leading KMT candidate Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) by 4% and ahead in seven districts, per Fount Media. Chen ultimately lost by more than 10 points and carried only one district, per PTS.

Meanwhile, Chiu’s major rally on Sunday drew heavyweight support, including former Premier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) in person and a video message from former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁), per Newtalk.

Kaohsiung may be headed for a renewed factional struggle within the DPP, per China Times. Chiu is consolidating support from factions aligned with former President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) and Su, while Hsu and Lai are backed by the New Tide faction associated with President Lai Ching-te (賴清德).

Chiu is positioning herself as the heir to Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s (陳其邁) policy agenda. Chen Chi-mai is a member of Tsai's faction.