Douliu Mayoral Race: KMT Faces Split as Incumbent Councilor Vows to Run

Douliu City, the capital of Yunlin County, is poised for a contentious mayoral election as the Kuomintang (KMT) grapples with internal divisions over its nominee. The traditionally KMT-dominated city could see a shift to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) if the opposition successfully exploits the KMT's nomination dispute.

County councilor Lai Shu-ni, who has served four terms, is determined to run for mayor, challenging the KMT Yunlin County headquarters' decision to nominate Huang Yu-mei, the vice chair of the Douliu City Council. Lai and another councilor, Lin Yueh-chang, had withdrawn from the primary process, which they felt was unfairly weighted towards party members rather than public opinion polls. They had advocated for a full public opinion poll to select the strongest candidate.

Lai's husband, Hsu Shu-po, chairman of the National Federation of Chambers of Commerce, has publicly supported her bid, emphasizing her deep roots and popularity in Douliu. He stated that the mayoral election is crucial not only for the KMT to maintain its hold on Douliu but also to influence the Yunlin County magistrate race. He argued that Lai is the most suitable candidate to represent the KMT, given her extensive network and high public approval.

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Douliu City is the largest voting bloc in Yunlin County. The Douliu mayoral election not only concerns whether the blue camp can continue its rule in Douliu City but may further affect the Yunlin County magistrate election.

However, the KMT Yunlin County headquarters has officially put forward Huang Yu-mei to the central party for approval. Chen Li-chuan, the KMT Yunlin County headquarters secretary-general, confirmed that Huang is the party's recommended candidate and that the central party will make the final nomination. The exact outcome of Lai's potential independent candidacy will only be clear when candidate registrations close at the end of August.

Meanwhile, the DPP has nominated former legislator Yin Ling-ying, who is seen as having a strong chance to overturn the KMT's decades-long hold on the city, especially if the KMT remains divided. The KMT's internal conflict presents a significant opportunity for the DPP to gain control of Douliu City.

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The Douliu mayoral candidate has been reported to the central party headquarters as Huang Yu-mei. The central party will make a unified nomination at that time. Whether Lai Shu-ni will run independently can only be determined when registration closes at the end of August.