Cheng Li-chun on 2026 Election Outlook: 'These Two Counties May Be Lost!' Urges Party Elders to Strengthen Efforts

Following the KMT's national convention on July 25, the party held its customary Central Evaluation Committee meeting today (27). Chairperson Cheng Li-chun delivered remarks to senior party members and elders, outlining the party's election strategy. She stated that this year's elections are straightforward: the KMT aims to maintain governance in areas currently under its control and achieve breakthroughs in long-term DPP-held regions to enable a comprehensive political reversal.

Cheng frankly admitted that the most difficult races within KMT-governed counties are Chiayi City and Changhua County, emphasizing that Changhua still requires significant effort. However, she expressed cautious optimism regarding Hsinchu County and Yilan County.

Cheng reiterated her campaign promise to transform the KMT 'from a flock of sheep into a pride of lions.' She highlighted the 200,000-strong rally on Ketagalan Boulevard on July 25, where KMT mayoral candidates and the Legislative Yuan caucus took the stage, leading the crowd in powerful, resonant chants. 'Each one was more combative and impactful than the last,' she said, asserting that the KMT has now become a 'pride of lions' whose roar represents the voice of the people and justice.

She praised the KMT's strong performance in the previous election but lamented the missed opportunity in the 2024 presidential race due to the lack of cooperation between the blue (KMT) and white (TPP) camps. Nevertheless, she emphasized that the KMT remains the largest party in the legislature and aims for an outright majority in the next term.

Cheng noted high expectations for Kaohsiung and Pingtung, but stressed that Tainan and Chiayi County are not being abandoned. While the KMT did not nominate a candidate in Chiayi County, the 'Chiayi Non-Blue Coalition' is fully supporting independent candidate Wu Pin-jui. In Chiayi City, the blue-white alliance supports Chang Chi-kai, and in Hsinchu City, the KMT backs incumbent mayor Kao Hung-an.

She criticized the DPP for its skillful use of disinformation and division tactics, particularly in Hsinchu County and Zhubei, where rumors about former TPP chair Ko Wen-je are constantly circulated to undermine blue-white unity. Despite hostile media, the DPP's use of state resources, and even judicial interference, Cheng affirmed that the KMT must persevere through every challenge, driven by public expectation and support—the party's greatest strength.