Ko Chih-en Posts Throwback Photo, Vows Unchanged Resolve and Victory

Ko Chih-en, the Kuomintang's candidate for Kaohsiung mayor, shared a nostalgic social media post featuring a photo from four years prior. The image shows her with a suitcase at a high-speed rail station on July 5, a date that marks a significant point in her political journey.

Reflecting on her 2022 mayoral campaign, Ko described the intense effort involved. In just over four months, she traversed all 38 administrative districts of Kaohsiung, wearing out three pairs of shoes in the process. She stated that her initial resolve remains unchanged, now accompanied by deep gratitude and a more robust, confident conviction that victory is within reach this time.

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My initial resolve remains unchanged, only full of gratitude and more determined, stronger confidence, I believe I will definitely win this time.

Ko recalled the circumstances of her previous campaign, which began just days after her nomination. Without ample time to prepare, she packed her bags and plunged into the challenging 2022 election, facing limited resources and low expectations. Despite the outcome, she found the experience of connecting with countless Kaohsiung residents across the city deeply memorable.

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The election can end, but I cannot turn and leave, because Kaohsiung is not just the city where I strive, it has become Ko Chih-en's responsibility and concern in life.

She views the 530,000 votes received as a validation from the citizens, not only securing the KMT's base but also contributing to the election of 29 KMT city councilors. More impactful than the vote count, however, were the warmth, generosity, and loyalty she experienced from Kaohsiung's people. Ko emphasized her commitment to the city, stating, "I have to stay," and assuring her continued role in future elections.

Over the past four years, Ko has remained actively engaged in Kaohsiung, her presence felt in its mountains, seas, rivers, and harbors, demonstrating her dedication to the grassroots. She acknowledged the difficulty of establishing roots in a region long governed by the Democratic Progressive Party, facing smear campaigns and criticism without discouragement. The election, she stated, taught her to transform challenges into stepping stones for growth. Looking back at her past self, Ko expressed unwavering gratitude and strengthened confidence, firmly believing in her eventual success with the support of the local community.

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The election taught me to turn the troublesome sand under my feet into stepping stones that allow me to stand taller.