Kaohsiung:Candidates in Taiwan's upcoming November 28 local elections stepped up their campaigns over the weekend in key cities such as Kaohsiung, New Taipei, and Taichung.
According to Focus Taiwan, ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Lai Jui-lung received support from Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim during a prayer event organized by the Taiwan Presbyterian Church in Kaohsiung. Vice President Hsiao, who previously served as Taiwan's representative to the United States, praised the city's transformation and endorsed Lai as the prospective next DPP mayor. Lai emphasized his commitment to serving all residents, highlighting his working-class background.
Lai's main opponent in Kaohsiung, Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Ko Chih-en, sought support at a local market alongside Taiwan People's Party (TPP) founder Ko Wen-je and TPP city council candidate Lin Yu-kai. Ko Chih-en called for collaboration between the KMT and TPP to secure more seats on the Kaohsiung City Council, while Ko Wen-je criticized the KMT's campaign approach.
In New Taipei, DPP mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui proposed developing an international sports and cultural center if elected. Her KMT rival, Lee Shu-chuan, focused on infrastructure, pledging to initiate metro and light rail projects connecting various districts.
In Taichung, both KMT's Deputy Legislative Speaker Johnny Chiang and his opponent, DPP Legislator Ho Hsin-chun, participated in campaign events to support city council candidates from their respective parties.
Taiwan's 2026 local elections, often referred to as the "nine-in-one" elections, will determine the occupants of 11,051 local government positions, encompassing roles such as city mayors and county magistrates. Voters across 22 cities and counties will elect officials for various local government posts, including municipal and Indigenous district chiefs.