New Taipei, Yilan KMT-TPP Alliance to Follow Chiayi Model; KMT: Rules of the Game to be Discussed This Week

The Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) will jointly nominate candidates for Chiayi City Mayor, with KMT-nominated doctor Weng Shou-liang and TPP-nominated former legislator Chang Chi-kai competing. The blue and white parties held a press conference today to announce the final poll results, with Chang Chi-kai winning.

When asked about the coordination and integration progress in Yilan County and New Taipei City, which are also KMT-TPP alliance electoral districts, TPP Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu, who attended the press conference, stated that the working group has recently begun consultations. Based on the existing good foundation in Chiayi City, he and Li Che-hua are very confident.

Li Che-hua explained that since KMT Chairman Cheng Li-wen and TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang initiated the KMT-TPP alliance agenda, the KMT has held the concept of being a family with the TPP, discussing everything and maintaining communication. The result in Chiayi City has laid a good foundation, and this week, the relevant procedures for New Taipei and Yilan will begin, following the Chiayi City model to discuss the rules of the game.

Li Che-hua emphasized that supporters of both sides are very anxious, and he will maintain communication with Chou Yu-hsiu to meet everyone's expectations as soon as possible.

Regarding the Changhua County Magistrate candidate, Chou Yu-hsiu pointed out that the KMT is currently working hard to find the most suitable candidate, which is consistent with the TPP's thinking. Changhua County is the 7th largest county in Taiwan, and he will consult Li Che-hua to put forward the strongest candidate.

Li Che-hua believes that Changhua County has a special political environment, and the party headquarters has been thinking about the best winning strategy. Therefore, last week, the Central Nomination Review Committee decided to authorize the Organization and Development Committee to conduct the nomination process. Thus, Changhua County will not have primaries or coordinated polls, and the Organization and Development Committee and local party headquarters will find the strongest candidate.

Li Che-hua explained that in order to ensure a smooth and successful nomination process, former Changhua County Party Chairman Hsieh Yi-feng will be promoted to KMT Deputy Secretary-General, and former legislator Hsiao Ching-tien has been asked to serve as the chairman. The relevant procedures have been submitted to Party Chairman Cheng Li-wen, and it is believed that the personnel announcement will be made soon. (Edited by Hsieh Chia-chen, Chang Jo-yao)1150407