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Lee Chen-hsiu launches surprise bid for Zhubei mayor; rival camp respects decision

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Lee Chen-hsiu, a former legislator, has unexpectedly announced her candidacy for mayor of Zhubei City.
  • Her platform includes five major policy proposals covering transportation, education, recreation, environment, and governance.
  • The incumbent party respects her decision to run in a fair election, while some lawmakers question her eligibility due to past nationality controversies.

Former legislator Lee Chen-hsiu has made a surprise announcement declaring her candidacy for the mayor of Zhubei City, emphasizing that her decision was not impulsive. She has unveiled a comprehensive five-point platform addressing key urban issues, including transportation, education, recreation, environmental concerns, and overall city governance, aiming to garner support from residents.

This is a promise to this city after undergoing severe political tempering.

— Lee Chen-hsiuAnnouncing her candidacy for mayor of Zhubei City.

Lee stated her commitment to Zhubei, describing her decision as a promise to the city after undergoing significant political challenges. She presented a "Zhubei City Governance White Paper," detailing her policy proposals. Lee expressed her unique perspective on Zhubei, viewing it through the lens of daily life rather than just politics, and appealed to citizens for their trust and support in the 2026 election.

Others view Zhubei through politics, I view Zhubei through life.

— Lee Chen-hsiuDescribing her personal connection to the city.

Her announcement has drawn varied reactions. Hsu Hsin-ying's campaign team, running for Hsinchu County Magistrate, stated they respect everyone's decision to participate in a fair election. However, some lawmakers have raised questions about Lee's eligibility. Legislator Lin Chu-yin of the Democratic Progressive Party suggested Lee might be disqualified on eligibility grounds, while Legislator Chen Chao-chao of the Taiwan People's Party noted that Lee is no longer a party member and is not bound by party discipline. Chen also questioned Lee's eligibility to register for the election, referencing past nationality controversies during her tenure as a legislator.

We respect everyone's decision to run in a fair and just election mechanism.

— Hsu Wei-yuanSpokesperson for Hsu Hsin-ying's campaign.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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