TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Taiwan People’s Party opened a campaign office in New Taipei on Sunday as party chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) launched his run for mayor.
Huang’s campaign kicked off at the headquarters in Xinzhuang District, CNA reported. Former chair and party founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and former Kuomintang vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康) also attended.
A major topic of discussion was a possible alliance between the two opposition parties, the TPP and the KMT. New Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川) is expected to be the KMT’s nominee, with the nomination expected to be confirmed before the Lunar New Year, the report said.
The prospect of a three-way race against the Democratic Progressive Party’s nominee, Su Chiao-hui (蘇巧慧), has created uncertainty among TPP and KMT supporters. Huang said he respects the KMT’s internal nomination process, but called on the KMT and TPP to consider an alliance in New Taipei.
He called to “make the process a model for Taiwan’s democracy” by ensuring the people of New Taipei can choose the candidate that best reflects their concerns and interests. Huang pledged to deliver on his election promises and demonstrate the TPP’s organizational strength under his leadership, per CNA.
For a potential alliance, Huang said the first step is for the KMT and TPP to clarify shared values, policy, and a vision for the future. After that, they can draft a formal cooperation agreement to outline the alliance’s goals and commitments to the public, UDN reported.
