Former Legislator's Zhubei Mayoral Bid Faces Eligibility Questions and Skepticism

Lee Chen-hsiu, a former legislator with roots in mainland China, has declared her intention to run for mayor of Zhubei City in Hsinchu County, adding a new dynamic to the upcoming local elections. Lee, who previously served as a legislator and acting mayor of Hsinchu City, stated her decision was "not a sudden impulse" and outlined five key policy proposals aimed at garnering voter support.

However, her eligibility to run is subject to review by the Central Election Commission. A significant point of contention is whether she meets the residency requirements. According to the commission's guidelines issued in July, candidates originating from mainland China must have been registered residents of Taiwan for at least 10 years, calculated from the date they provide proof of renouncing their original nationality.

Political commentator Chang Yi-shan has publicly questioned the legitimacy of Lee's announcement, labeling it as "fake." In a social media post, Chang suggested that Lee's candidacy is not genuine and serves a different purpose: to undermine key figures within the People First Party, specifically Chairman Huang Kuo-chang and Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an. Chang implied that Lee's move is designed to create internal party conflict rather than a serious electoral bid.

The race for Zhubei mayor is considered a focal point in the local elections, especially amid discussions of potential "blue-white alliances" between the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party. With the Taiwan People's Party already fielding former legislator Chiu Chen-yuan, Lee's surprise entry introduces further complexity and potential disruption to the electoral landscape.

“

This is fake. Coming out to destroy People First Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang and Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an is real!