Former Taiwan Legislator Lee Chen-hsiu Runs for Hsinchu Mayor; Expert Questions Eligibility

Lee Chen-hsiu, a former legislator for the Taiwan People's Party (TPP), has unexpectedly announced her bid for Hsinchu mayor. Her candidacy could create a three-way race, potentially pitting her against candidates from both the Kuomintang (KMT) and her former party, the TPP.

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This is clearly breaking the law knowingly, and the Central Election Commission must intervene.

International studies professor Yeh Yao-yuan has publicly questioned Lee's eligibility to run. He described her move as "knowingly breaking the law" and insisted that the Central Election Commission must investigate and take action. Yeh also expressed skepticism about the TPP's future, suggesting the party might have few seats remaining after the next legislative elections.

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She had expressed her intention to run.

Lee's political career has been marked by controversy. She was previously expelled from the TPP following disputes related to her Chinese nationality and public statements. This history has led to questions about whether she meets the legal requirements to stand for election in Taiwan.

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Lee no longer holds party membership and is not bound by party discipline. We respect her right to participate in politics.

While TPP Hsinchu mayoral candidate Chiu Chen-yuan acknowledged meeting with Lee recently and that she expressed her intention to run, TPP legislator Chen Chao-jung raised concerns about Lee's eligibility given her past nationality issues. She questioned if Lee could legally register to vote, highlighting the complexities surrounding her candidacy.

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Can she register to run for election now?