KMT Changhua Election 'Entering Garbage Time'? Former Magistrate Cho Pei-yuan Proposes Last-Minute Rescue Plan for Party Central

In preparation for the 2026 Changhua county magistrate election, both the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) recently held mobile Central Standing Committee meetings to rally support. However, KMT incumbent Magistrate Wang Hui-mei has now missed four consecutive meetings and has never publicly endorsed the party's candidate, lawyer Wei Ping-cheng—highlighting deep internal divisions within the KMT's local ranks.

Former Changhua County Magistrate Cho Pei-yuan, who previously urged KMT Chairperson Jennifer Wang to resign if the party lost Changhua, stated on the April 20 episode of the program 'POP Collision News' that the KMT's electoral prospects in Changhua are nearly dead. He revealed that some potential candidates have even described the race as 'entering garbage time.' Cho advocates for an integrative public opinion survey to be conducted before the official candidate registration deadline in two weeks as a final effort to rescue the campaign.

Why has Wang Hui-mei avoided meeting with Chairperson Jennifer Wang four times? Cho asserts this is a reflection of Changhua's public sentiment. The grassroots base is furious over the KMT's decision to 'parachute' Wei Ping-cheng into the race without a primary. Even Cho, as a former magistrate, has faced intense pressure—such as from a township council chairperson who told him, 'I can't hold on anymore.' Wei Ping-cheng lacks grassroots recognition, and many local representatives would rather support Qiu Jian-fu, who is running as an independent.

Regarding the backlash against Wei's 'parachute' nomination, Cho explains that candidates like Hsieh Yi-feng, former deputy magistrate Hung Jung-chang, and Ko Cheng-fang had been preparing for over a year—standing at intersections in the morning, canvassing night markets in the evening, and putting up campaign signs. Yet, their efforts were dismissed without even a primary, leading to widespread anger. This has shattered trust in the KMT's nomination process. Magistrate Wang now bears the brunt of this local discontent.

To resolve the crisis, Cho revealed that with 100 days until the election and 14 days until registration closes, he has already prepared the full format and questionnaire for an integrative poll that could be completed in just three days. He has spoken by phone with Hsieh Yi-feng, Hung Jung-chang, Ko Cheng-fang, and even Wei Ping-cheng's brother—all of whom agree with his proposal but remain silent publicly due to distrust in the party central. Nevertheless, they believe this integrative poll is the last viable method to salvage the campaign.