TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang (KMT) scheduled its crucial chairmanship election for Oct. 18, with the winner to be inaugurated at the National Party Congress Nov. 1 at Taipei Municipal Chenggong High School (成功高中) gymnasium. The congress may also consider constitutional amendments and policy platform revisions, with party members able to submit proposals through local offices or online platforms. The leadership transition comes as the party seeks to redefine its political direction following recent electoral setbacks.
Current KMT Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) expressed confidence about the leadership transition while continuing to court Taichung City Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) as a potential candidate. The party extended candidate registration from Sept. 15 to 19, accommodating growing interest in the race. Eight candidates have already declared their intentions, including Chang Ya-chung (張亞中), Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強), Cheng Li-wen (鄭麗文), Cho Po-yuan (卓伯源), Chang Ya-ping (張雅屏), Sun Chien-ping (孫健萍), Hsieh Dien-in (謝典林), and Tsai Chih-hung (蔡志弘).
Party insiders reveal that former KMT Vice Chairman Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) faces mounting internal pressure to announce his candidacy before the registration deadline. The intensifying leadership contest reflects broader tensions within Taiwan's largest opposition party as it seeks new direction after recent electoral defeats. The outcome could significantly reshape Taiwan's political landscape and the party's approach to cross-strait relations with mainland China, China. ◼