New Taipei TPP Candidate Launches Independent Campaign Post-Alliance

In the wake of the KMT-TPP alliance in New Taipei City, which saw the Kuomintang's Lee Chuan-chuan emerge as the mayoral candidate, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) New Taipei City councilor hopeful Chen Yijun is launching her independent campaign. She recently held a joint street campaign with Hsinchu Deputy Mayor Chiu Chen-yuan, a move she described as the first step in post-alliance integration and her own independent electoral battle. Chen emphasized the need to showcase her individual strength and local ties, particularly after the major alliance was settled. She chose to start her campaign at the bustling Shengli Market to engage directly with constituents, highlighting her sincerity and proactive approach. As a newcomer, Chen believes she has fewer burdens and can more effectively listen to grassroots voices and advocate for the Zhonghe district.

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This action not only symbolizes the first step of post-election integration but also represents the TPP's 'little chick' in New Taipei's first independent battle after the integration.

Chiu Chen-yuan, acting as a mentor, stressed that with the broader political landscape set, the focus now shifts to individual candidates' grassroots capabilities. He noted that smaller parties like the TPP must diligently cultivate local support through consistent engagement, such as market visits and neighborhood canvassing, to build trust. Chiu personally introduced Chen to vendors and residents, underscoring the TPP's coordinated campaign strategy and Chen's local connections. When questioned by the media about future collaboration with Lee Chuan-chuan, Chiu indicated that Lee has pledged to maximize KMT-TPP seats in the city council. This initial step, he explained, focuses on expanding council representation within the framework of a joint government, with Chen's candidacy in Zhonghe being a critical component.

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After the major situation is set, it tests each candidate's grassroots strength. Parties with limited resources need to cultivate the local area step by step, accumulating trust through market sweeps and alley visits.

From a Taiwanese perspective, this local election campaign highlights the intricate dynamics of inter-party alliances and individual candidate strategies. While Western media might focus on the national implications of the KMT-TPP cooperation, local publications like Liberty Times emphasize the grassroots efforts and the challenges faced by individual candidates, particularly from smaller parties. Chen Yijun's campaign, supported by Chiu Chen-yuan, exemplifies the 'small chick' strategy – nurturing new talent within the party and building a strong local base independent of, yet aligned with, larger political forces. The emphasis on direct engagement and demonstrating local connection is crucial in Taiwan's political landscape, where personal relationships and community ties often play a significant role in electoral outcomes.

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Lee Chuan-chuan has promised that in the future, he will strive to maximize the seats for the KMT and TPP in the city council. Therefore, within the framework of the KMT-TPP joint government cooperation, the first step is to start with the expansion of council seats, and Chen Yijun's seat in the Zhonghe district is the most crucial.