‘This County City’ Magistrate Race Turns into Fierce Battle: KMT Local Heavyweight Reveals Candidacy Registration Form – ‘Let Me Think It Over’

The Kuomintang (KMT) race for Changhua County magistrate has taken another twist. Ko Cheng-fang, former deputy county magistrate and current county government advisor, who failed to secure the party’s nomination, posted a photo of a 'Changhua County Magistrate Candidacy Registration Form' on his Facebook page today (28), admitting that seeing the form 'made it hard to stay calm.' While he has not officially declared his candidacy, he stated he is seriously considering whether to run independently, sparking local speculation.

Ko revealed that his wife called him, informing him that a local resident had delivered a document to their home. Upon checking, he realized it was the magistrate candidacy registration form. In recent weeks, friends and local allies have repeatedly told him, 'Changhua needs you' and 'If you’re willing, we’ll walk with you.' Now that someone has actually delivered the form to his home, he said he feels a heavy sense of expectation.

The KMT bypassed an internal primary and directly nominated Wei Ping-cheng, former chair of the party’s Disciplinary Committee and a lawyer, on May 13. The decision excluded other declared candidates, including legislator Hsieh Yi-feng, Ko Cheng-fang, and Hong Jung-chang, head of the Changhua County Industrial Development Promotion Association. The move has left lingering tensions within the KMT, and incumbent Magistrate Wang Hui-mei has not taken on the role of campaign chair for Wei.

The Changhua magistrate race currently includes Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chen Su-yueh, KMT’s Wei Ping-cheng, and Qiu Jian-fu, who left the DPP to run as an independent. According to the Changhua County Election Commission, candidate registration will take place from August 31 to September 4. Ko’s timing in posting the registration form has raised speculation about a potential fourth candidate entering the race.

Ko emphasized that running for office is not about seeking a position, nor is it a decision he can make alone. What matters most, he said, is what kind of county governance Changhua needs, what kind of future residents hope for, and whether he can still contribute more to this land.

He acknowledged that many rules and systems are beyond his control, but stressed, 'Institutions have their procedures, but public opinion has its voice.' Seeing the registration form made him reflect not just on whether to run, but on why so many people are encouraging him and even taking proactive steps on his behalf.

Ko said that as more people share their true feelings and place their hopes in him, he cannot simply respond with a 'thank you.' He expressed gratitude to all who support him and care about Changhua’s future, promising to carry their expectations in his heart.

He has not yet confirmed whether he will run, leaving the door open with the words: 'As for the path ahead, let me think it over. Some things cannot be rushed. But some expectations deserve to be taken seriously.' With the registration deadline approaching, whether Ko remains within the party or enters the race will become a key variable in KMT unity efforts.