KMT to rally candidates at July 25 congress, eyes New Taipei as key election battleground

The Kuomintang (KMT) is gearing up for a major rally on July 25, bringing together candidates for 22 counties and cities in a bid to energize their campaigns for the upcoming elections. Party officials have pinpointed New Taipei City as the crucial battleground, believing that a strong showing there will ripple outwards and bolster support in other key KMT strongholds.

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This year's election focus shifts from the traditional 'battle for central Taiwan' to 'the battle for New Taipei.'

This year's election focus shifts from the traditional "battle for central Taiwan" to "the battle for New Taipei." The party aims for New Taipei City candidate Li Ssu-chuan to continue the legacy of previous mayors, seeing his success as a critical indicator for the year's overall election results. A positive outcome in New Taipei, coupled with a stable situation in Taichung, could potentially lift KMT candidates in southern cities like Kaohsiung. Conversely, a weak performance in New Taipei might lead to a fragmented election landscape where each city fights its own battle, hindering any unified momentum.

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If New Taipei's election prospects are good, and Taichung is stable, it will also affect southern cities like Kaohsiung's Ko Chih-en, and there's a chance to boost them together.

While the party congress's theme is "Strive for Peace, Care for the People, Taiwan Wins," there's internal discussion about the party chair's role. Some party insiders suggest that while the chair may wish to report on her successful meetings, the grassroots sentiment prioritizes the local elections. The focus should remain on the 22 candidates, with personal achievements being secondary. The party acknowledges that despite a decade of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) rule, the KMT still has a chance, and local election victories are the most significant contributions a party chair can make.

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If New Taipei's election doesn't take off or the situation is cold, it might become a situation where each city elects its own, and the overall momentum cannot be lifted.

Questions have arisen regarding the party chair's potential impact on election outcomes, with some suggesting she might be a "poison pill" for certain candidates. Party officials maintain that the chair is committed to helping all candidates win and will offer full support. However, they caution against candidates who might distance themselves from the chair and then unfairly blame her if election results are disappointing. The party emphasizes fairness, stating that all candidates want to win, and the chair will work diligently to assist them.

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The party chair is definitely as eager to win the election as the candidates and will do her utmost to assist.