Li Zhenxiu's bid for Zhubei mayor uncertain; eligibility to be decided by county election commission

Li Zhenxiu, a former legislator with roots in mainland China, has declared her intention to run for mayor of Zhubei City in Hsinchu County, Taiwan. Her announcement comes just ahead of the nine-in-one local elections.

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the case is handled by the Hsinchu County Election Commission for determination. Generally, for the eligibility review of township mayors, township councilors, and village chiefs, the local election commission's determination is sufficient.

However, her eligibility to run is now under scrutiny. Central Election Commission Chairman Yu Ying-lung indicated that the Hsinchu County Election Commission will be the deciding body for Li's candidacy. He referenced regulations that typically require individuals from mainland China to have officially renounced their citizenship and completed 10 years of residency in Taiwan before they can register as public office candidates.

Yu Ying-lung explained that while the Central Election Commission oversees local election commissions, it generally intervenes only in exceptional circumstances. The review of Li's candidacy falls under the purview of the Hsinchu County Election Commission, whose decision is usually final. He noted that the Mainland Affairs Council has issued new interpretations regarding residency requirements for candidates, which could affect Li's application.

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Unless there are special circumstances, the Central Election Commission does not need to intervene. According to the law, the Central Election Commission has supervisory responsibility over the election affairs handled by local election commissions. Therefore, this matter will be determined by the Hsinchu County Election Commission, and their decision is generally the final decision.

Previously, Yu Ying-lung had expressed reservations about applying international law to the political participation rights of spouses from mainland China. He reiterated that his stance remains unchanged and that the current issue is strictly about candidate eligibility based on residency duration, not international law. The Central Election Commission respects the Mainland Affairs Council's role as the governing body for cross-strait relations and its decisions on such matters.

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Regarding the question of whether the idea has changed, Yu Ying-lung said that international law is not currently involved, and it is a matter of candidate eligibility. His previous statements remain unchanged.