Chiu Yu-shan Accuses TPP of Pressuring Her to Withdraw After Winning Internal Poll; Chen Ching-lung Cites Need for Victory

(CNA correspondent Chao Li-yen, Taichung, June 23) Chiu Yu-shan of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) accused today that despite winning an internal party poll, she was asked to withdraw from the election by Taichung City Party Chapter Chairman Chen Ching-lung, as the party intended to nominate Wu Huang-sheng, who lost the poll. She criticized the system as unfair. Chen Ching-lung responded that the decision was based on the goal of achieving victory, stating they would press forward despite any setbacks.

For the TPP's nomination for councilor in the Beitun District of Taichung City, Chiu Yu-shan defeated former Director-General of the Taichung City Information Bureau, Wu Huang-sheng, in the party's primary poll with 74% of the vote, securing the right to be nominated by the party.

Chiu Yu-shan issued a press release today accusing the party headquarters of intending to nominate Wu Huang-sheng, who lost the poll, to run. Yesterday, Chen Ching-lung personally approached her and asked her to withdraw. She stated that she initially accepted the coordination and the all-inclusive poll mechanism because she believed in the fairness, openness, and transparency emphasized by the TPP. Being asked to withdraw after winning the poll has cast great doubt on the system for her and disappointed grassroots supporters.

Chiu Yu-shan said that if poll results can be overturned and grassroots efforts ignored, how many people will believe in the system in the future, and how many will choose to stay with the party during its most difficult times. A system that has been established should be respected, and public opinion should be respected.

Chen Ching-lung responded via a written statement, saying that based on the ultimate goal of victory at the end of the year, he and the Taichung City Party Chapter had a detailed discussion with Chiu Yu-shan regarding the Beitun District poll, clearly explaining her severely lagging situation and exploring all possibilities for the TPP to achieve victory. He expressed hope to give more outstanding young people the opportunity to serve the citizens of Taichung and to establish a party caucus for the TPP in the Taichung City Council.

Chen Ching-lung mentioned, "Even if bruised and battered, we will still press forward," emphasizing that the TPP is a party that adheres to its systems and never targets individuals. He stated they will continue to communicate and seek the most beneficial direction for the TPP, allowing the TPP to take root in Taichung.

Wu Huang-sheng responded that he was not privy to the private coordination between the local party chapter and Chiu Yu-shan, nor was he aware of the communication details and internal data beforehand. He expressed deep understanding of the immense pressure and determination for victory borne by the local party chapter in its efforts to establish a party caucus in the Taichung City Council and for the TPP to take root in Taichung. He stated that his personal position and the outcome of the election are always secondary, and he believes the party chapter made objective considerations in its efforts to find the most beneficial direction for the TPP's development. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150623

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