DPP Targets Taichung Mayor's Record, Eyes Undecided Voters in Election Push

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) launched its campaign offensive in Taichung, holding its first mobile Central Executive Committee meeting to rally support for mayoral candidate Ho Hsin-chun. With just 115 days remaining until the local elections, the DPP is strategically targeting incumbent Mayor Lu Shiow-yen's administration, particularly on issues of food safety and alleged governance failures.

The party aims to leverage these criticisms to challenge the Kuomintang's (KMT) candidate, Chiang Wan-an, who is positioned as Lu's successor. DPP strategists believe that the gap between the two major parties has narrowed significantly, with approximately 40% of centrist voters remaining undecided. These voters are considered the crucial demographic that will determine the election's outcome, making online campaigning a central pillar of the DPP's strategy.

DPP Chairman Lai Ching-te and Legislative Yuan whip Tsai Chi-chang were present to show solidarity, emphasizing a united front. Ho Hsin-chun presented her policy vision, underscoring the party's commitment to cross-factional integration within her campaign team. This includes personnel from Tsai Chi-chang's and Chang Liao Wan-chien's political networks, aiming to consolidate organizational support.

The campaign is actively engaging with grassroots communities through over a hundred "168 forums," linking the mayoral race with the candidacies of all city council contenders. The DPP plans to combine organizational efforts with publicity campaigns, collaborating with local legislators and council members to communicate their vision for Taichung's governance and appeal to undecided centrist voters.