TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A new survey shows a tight Kaohsiung race between DPP (民進黨) candidate Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) and KMT (國民黨) candidate Ko Chih-en (柯志恩), according to TVBS Poll Center (TVBS 民調中心). The results contrast sharply with an UpMedia (上報) poll conducted by R&W (雨晴指標行銷) Nov. 29, revealing significant methodological differences.
Taipei City Councilor Hou Han-ting (侯漢廷) commented Tuesday (Dec. 2) on the conflicting poll results between the two surveys conducted in Kaohsiung. His detailed analysis focuses on the methodology, sample composition, and political implications of the competing polls. Hou questioned the reliability and accuracy of the R&W survey's findings regarding voter support patterns in southern Taiwan.
TVBS released its poll Monday (Dec. 1), showing Lai leading by a slim margin with 42% compared to Ko's 40%. UpMedia reveals DPP, Taiwan's ruling party, legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) holding a significant lead over Ko. Hou noted that despite a sample with less than 10% KMT supporters, Ko garnered over 20% support. This suggests backing from centrist and light green voters, referring to moderate DPP supporters.
Hou argues that in a standard TVBS poll with balanced political representation, Ko's support might match or surpass Lai's performance. Hou criticizes Chiu's constituency for recurring environmental issues, including illegal sand mining and waste management problems. He claimed DPP, Taiwan's ruling party, candidates have not addressed these persistent problems effectively over the years despite repeated promises.