TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The KMT on Wednesday approved its first round of mayoral and magistrate nominations for next year’s local elections, selecting candidates for Tainan, Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taitung.

KMT Chair Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文) approved the following nominees at a party meeting: Legislators Hsieh Long-chieh (謝龍介), Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), Su Ching-chuan (蘇清泉), and Taitung County Council Speaker Wu Hsiu-hua (吳秀華), per Liberty Times. She also named former Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平) as party senior advisor, per CNA.

Unlike the ruling party, the KMT is not here to sow chaos, Cheng said. She praised the southern candidates for their perseverance despite previous defeats, noting they have spent years engaging local communities.

Wang, a veteran of more than 50 years in politics, will provide guidance to the KMT as senior advisor, Cheng said. She praised his service and said his involvement is aimed at promoting party unity and advancing cross-strait peace.

The senior advisor position grants Wang a status equivalent to honorary chair, according to sources familiar with the matter. This allows him to assist the KMT in stabilizing political affairs.

Cheng said incumbents in Keelung, Taipei, Taoyuan, Miaoli, Nantou, and Matsu will have their nominations confirmed later next year to allow them to focus on governance.