TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨) has finalized its candidates for key mayoral positions in the southern Taiwan local elections, party officials announced on Wednesday (Jan. 21). The Central Executive Committee (中執會) approved Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) for Kaohsiung, Tsai Yi-yu (蔡易餘) for Chiayi County, and Chen Ting-fei (陳亭妃) for Tainan.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) emphasized the importance of unity among the nominees, acknowledging the competitive nature of the primaries. He urged candidates to integrate local efforts and support fellow party members. Mr. Lai praised the nominees as outstanding legislators with strong public support and deep-rooted connections to their communities.
President Lai stated that Tsai brings a decade of legislative experience, having served in various leadership roles, which equips him to continue the party's governance in Chiayi County. Chen, with her extensive experience in Tainan's city council and the Legislative Yuan (立法院), is well-positioned to align city needs with national policies. Lai Jui-lung, seasoned by ten years in city government and the legislature, is prepared to take on Kaohsiung's governance challenges.
Meanwhile, Mr. Lai reminded candidates that passing the primaries is just the beginning of a more rigorous public examination. He encouraged them to actively engage with local communities and present policies that benefit the people. Mr. Lai noted that the DPP aims to maintain its status as a local governance model in Chiayi County, Tainan, and Kaohsiung, where voters will scrutinize the nominees with high expectations.