Yilan: The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) announced the results of their joint poll on Monday, revealing KMT Legislator Wu Tsung-hsien as the leading candidate for the Yilan County magistrate position in the upcoming local government elections on November 28.
According to Focus Taiwan, the results were derived from a telephone poll conducted among 1,093 respondents, which was shared at a news conference attended by Wu, former TPP Legislator Chen Wan-hui, KMT Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Lee Chien-lung, and TPP Secretary-General Chou Yu-shiu. The survey posed questions about voter support in two hypothetical scenarios against Lin Kuo-chang, the candidate from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Wu and Chen were considered as joint nominees from KMT-TPP. Respondents could also choose to support both, neither, or give no response.
In a direct comparison with Lin, Wu garnered 27.6 percent support while Lin received 28.9 percent. If Chen were the nominee, she would receive 21.1 percent support, against Lin's 27.5 percent. The poll indicates that Wu outperformed Chen in a hypothetical race against Lin.
During the conference, Chen emphasized the need for reform and change in Yilan, expressing her support for KMT-TPP cooperation and Wu's candidacy. Wu, on his part, committed to prioritizing policies enhancing the livelihood of Yilan residents and fostering the county's development if elected. He also stressed the importance of cross-party and non-factional appointments. Despite the poll showing Lin in the lead, Wu vowed to intensify his efforts to garner support, urging opposition alliance supporters and centrist voters to unify for change in the county.
In a separate event, Lin addressed reporters, stating his intention to win the election through strategic policy proposals and local engagement. Regarding his campaign strategy, Lin mentioned he would consider all polls, noting that earlier surveys indicated low voter preference levels. He aims to understand the reasons behind voter indecision and work to earn their support.
Chen Wen-chang, heading Lin's campaign office, asserted confidence in Lin's lead over his rivals, citing recent polls, though details were not provided, and anticipated an increasing margin.