TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan People’s Party said Wednesday it will not nominate a candidate for the Changhua County magistrate race in the local elections this year.
The party’s Election Decision Committee said the decision was made unanimously after reviewing recommendations from the Changhua County branch and assessing organizational needs, per CNA. It said entering a costly county-level race could strain resources and weaken efforts to expand the party’s local base.
Former TPP legislator Tsai Pi-ju (蔡 壁 如) had expressed interest in running for Changhua magistrate, prompting internal discussion. However, the committee said local party officials urged central leadership to respect conditions on the ground, reinforcing the decision not to field a candidate.
The committee also pointed to a cooperation framework between the TPP and the KMT, under which Changhua was not designated for joint negotiation. The KMT has already nominated lawyer Wei Ping-cheng (魏平政) for the race, per Liberty Times.
The TPP said it will instead concentrate on supporting candidates in county council and township-level elections, while strengthening local service networks. It said building a grassroots presence is central to its electoral strategy.
The party also confirmed it will not nominate a candidate in the Zhongli constituency of Taoyuan City.
