TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) will finalize its 2026 local election strategy by March, rejecting prolonged negotiations with the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨). Secretary-General Chou Yu-hsiu (周榆修) told CNEWS (CNEWS匯流新聞網) Monday (Nov. 10) that the opposition party plans maximum cooperation sincerity but won't wait indefinitely for KMT decisions. The March deadline represents a significant shift from previous collaborative approaches between Taiwan's opposition parties.
Chou emphasized the need for consensus with KMT on polling subjects, numbers, and methods to advance electoral cooperation between Taiwan's opposition parties. TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) showed goodwill toward Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川), promising full support if formal polls favor Lee's candidacy. The party will progress independently, refusing to wait for KMT's final decision beyond the March deadline for strategic clarity.
Chou identified Hsinchu City and Chiayi City as key regions for potential KMT cooperation, citing lessons learned from past collaborative electoral efforts. The secretary-general dismissed rumors about former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's (柯文哲) wife, Chen Pei-chi (陳佩琪), running for Penghu County magistrate, calling it unfounded speculation. Chou praised current Hsinchu City Mayor Kao Hung-an's (高虹安) stable governance and confirmed her as the party's top leadership choice for the region. ◼