Lai Shuqian Runs for Douliu Mayor as Independent; KMT: Will Enforce Party Discipline

(Central News Agency reporter Chiang I-Ching, Yunlin County, 14th) Lai Shuqian, a Kuomintang (KMT)-affiliated Yunlin County councilor, announced today she will run for Douliu mayor as an independent candidate, stating she seeks public scrutiny—not to fight for a party, but for Douliu. In response, the KMT Yunlin County Party headquarters said it will handle the matter according to party discipline rules after registration.

Yesterday, the KMT Yunlin County Party headquarters released its nomination list for township mayors, county councilors, township representatives, and village leaders. Among them, Huang You-mei, vice chair of the Douliu City Council, was nominated as the KMT candidate for Douliu mayor. Today, Lai Shuqian, KMT councilor and wife of Hsu Shu-po, chairman of the National Chamber of Commerce, announced her independent mayoral bid alongside her campaign team, declaring, "I will run to the end, and I will gladly accept any party disciplinary action."

Chien Ming-chin, chairman of the KMT Yunlin County Party, said the party has completed its formal nomination process. If Lai Shuqian registers as a candidate, the party will proceed according to the central party's charter and disciplinary regulations.

Huang You-mei issued a press statement urging all to prioritize the bigger picture and party unity, support the party's nominee, and cease any actions that cause division, so the KMT can concentrate its strength to win the 2026 Douliu mayoral election.

Facing competition from DPP Douliu mayoral candidate Yin Ling-ying and Huang You-mei, Lai Shuqian emphasized her four terms as Yunlin councilor and consistent grassroots engagement. She said she will present more impactful policies to convince voters and expressed confidence in winning.

Lai Shuqian said she joined the KMT in high school and has been a loyal party member. However, facing what she considers an "unfair and irregular" primary, she chose not to complain or retreat, but to directly accept public judgment, entrusting her future to the people of Douliu. "I fight not for the party, but for Douliu; not for myself, but for the citizens of Douliu," she said. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150714