TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Go Go (台灣前進陣線), a political alliance of four minor parties, announced its first wave of seven candidates for the 2026 local elections on Tuesday (Jan. 6). The alliance comprises the New Power Party (NPP, 時代力量), Taiwan Statebuilding Party (基進黨), Green Party Taiwan (GPT, 綠黨), and Taiwan Obasan Political Equality Party (小民參政歐巴桑聯盟). The candidates will contest local councilor seats in Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Tainan, and Taichung, marking the alliance's first nominations since its establishment in December 2025.
Wang Hsing-huan (王興煥), chairman of the Taiwan Statebuilding Party, expressed the alliance's desire to become a viable third force distinct from the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨). Wang acknowledged the difficulty smaller parties face in finding qualified candidates for local elections across Taiwan. Wang stated that they hope to become a new choice for voters, noting the alliance's commitment to overcoming the talent shortage affecting minor parties.
The NPP has nominated only one candidate, highlighting significant recruitment challenges facing the minor party ahead of the 2026 elections. The party has resorted to online job portals to find suitable candidates willing to run for local office. NPP Chairwoman Claire Wang (王婉諭) stated that many individuals feel exhausted by politics and are willing to engage in public affairs but reluctant to enter politics directly.
Claire Wang remains undecided about running for Hsinchu city mayor, leaving room for possible collaboration with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨), Taiwan's ruling party. Wang emphasized the responsibility of all parties, including the New Power Party, to scout and promote the best candidates for voters. Wang expressed that they must work tirelessly to ensure that voters don't have to "cast their ballots with tears," highlighting her commitment to quality representation.