Changhua Mayor Nomination Controversy: Chiu Chien-fu Quits DPP to Run for County Magistrate, Chen Su-yue Responds

Former Changhua Mayor Chiu Chien-fu has announced his departure from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to compete for county magistrate as an independent candidate. Chiu stated on June 4 that a previous agreement for him to be nominated as Changhua mayor had been broken, prompting his decision to respond to voter expectations. Chiu further elaborated on June 5, alleging that legislator Chen Su-yue, who secured the DPP's nomination for county magistrate, had reneged on a consultation agreement. Chiu, having served two terms as mayor, felt that running as an independent for county magistrate was a viable path after the nomination process did not favor him. He expressed confidence in his ability to win the election. Chen Su-yue, however, directly refuted Chiu's claims. She explained that a party nomination, particularly through a "call-up" mechanism, is only possible when no other candidates register. Since county councilor Huang Po-yu had already registered for the Changhua mayor position, a call-up was not feasible. Chen emphasized that she had visited the other three potential contenders for county magistrate after securing her nomination, including Chiu. Chen stated that Chiu had expressed his willingness to be "called up" to run for Changhua mayor. However, she explained that such a decision was not hers alone to make and she did not immediately agree. She reiterated that the DPP's primary mechanism involves opening registration first, and only then considering a call-up if no one registers. As Huang Po-yu was the sole registrant for the mayoral race, he secured the nomination. Chen concluded that since party members had registered, there was no subsequent call-up process, and therefore, no agreement was broken.