KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — With the 2024 presidential election drawing near, political parties are intensifying their campaign efforts, focusing particularly on the southern regions of Taiwan.
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential hopeful Hou Yu-ih is emphasizing the challenges posed by traditional Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) strongholds like Tainan and Chiayi. Despite the DPP's historical dominance in these areas, Hou is committed to uniting Taiwan, bridging political divides, and safeguarding the nation.
Hou is strategically using his fluency in Taiwanese to connect with the people of southern Taiwan, concentrating his campaign efforts in key regions such as Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung throughout December. His goal is to win the hearts of the locals through extensive canvassing and rallies.
Political commentator Huang Yang-ming stressed the significance of the southern region, stating, "In the past, if the KMT could secure a slight win in Kaohsiung and Tainan, they would win the election." The KMT is now making substantial efforts to challenge the DPP's stronghold in the south.
On the other hand, the DPP has traditionally relied on a strategy of "securing votes in the south to supplement what lacks in the north." In previous elections, this strategy proved successful, with President Tsai Ing-wen receiving over 67% of the vote in Tainan. Looking ahead to 2024, DPP candidate Lai Ching-te aims to surpass the 70% mark in Tainan.
However, recent years have seen allegations of corruption during the DPP's administration, casting doubt on Lai's ability to achieve this goal. The entry of another competitor, the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), adds complexity to the political landscape.
On Dec. 16, the TPP held its first major rally in Tainan, attracting over 10,000 supporters, surpassing expectations. Vincent Chou, campaign manager of TPP's presidential hopeful Ko Wen-je, acknowledged the existing fan base for both the KMT and DPP in central and southern Taiwan, emphasizing that it takes time for the TPP to establish its presence in the south.
Ko, having served as Taipei's mayor for eight years, is more familiar with the northern political landscape. For the TPP, the 2024 election marks a potential milestone for expanding their influence in the south.
As Taiwan's major political parties intensify their campaign efforts in the final push, all eyes are on southern Taiwan, the frontline of this historic election. Stay tuned for updates as the nation awaits the results on Jan. 13.