KMT Chairwoman Admits Hsinchu Primary Election Severely Damaged Party; Deputy Magistrate Says His Heart Aches
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Sylvia Chang acknowledged that the party's primary election in Hsinchu County caused significant damage and that integration efforts are ongoing.
- Chang stated that lingering resentment from the primary election has not been fully resolved, impacting the party's chances in the upcoming Hsinchu County elections.
- Hsinchu County Deputy Magistrate Chen Chien-hsien expressed his deep hurt over Chang's remarks, stating his heart is in pain, but he appreciates the encouragement he has received.
Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Sylvia Chang has openly admitted that the party's primary election in Hsinchu County has deeply wounded the local party organization. She described the situation as having "caused severe damage" and that integration efforts are still underway, with "resentment votes from the primary election not yet fully resolved."
The primary election in Hsinchu County has indeed caused a complete mess, with mutual antagonism.
Chang elaborated that the primary election was contentious, with candidates being "sharply opposed to each other." She expressed concern about the party's integration in Hsinchu County following the primary. While acknowledging that the KMT currently holds a slight advantage in Hsinchu County, she stressed that a clear path to victory will only emerge after successful integration and unity.
Because of the resentment votes from the primary election, although we are actively and quickly trying to resolve them, they have not been completely resolved.
"Because of the resentment votes from the primary election, although we are actively and quickly trying to resolve them, they have not been completely resolved," Chang stated. She emphasized the need to avoid further controversies, such as the one surrounding the Zhubei mayoral election, which could reignite these resentments. She urged prioritizing the bigger picture to prevent minor issues from causing significant losses.
My heart truly aches.
In response, Chen Chien-hsien's office issued a statement conveying his "deep pain" over Chang's comments about him being the most severely wounded in the primary. Chen stated he has always supported kind and outstanding individuals. He acknowledged the encouragement from local figures and grassroots supporters, expressing warmth and gratitude for their support.
I have heard all the encouragement from local people and the grassroots of the blue camp. I feel very warm and sincerely thank everyone for their support.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.