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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Elections & Politics

Political Stalemate Threatens 'Blue-White Alliance' in Zhubei Mayoral Election

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Ongoing story
  • The "Blue-White Alliance" between the KMT and the TPP for the Zhubei mayoral election is on the verge of collapse due to a deadlock.
  • The TPP accuses the KMT of breaking a prior agreement where the TPP would support the KMT for county magistrate in exchange for KMT support in Zhubei.
  • Local KMT factions are reportedly resisting the central party's potential concession to the TPP, citing the party's long-standing control in the region.

A critical "Blue-White Alliance" between Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) is facing a severe crisis in the upcoming Zhubei mayoral election, threatening to unravel months of negotiation and cooperation.

The 'Blue-White Alliance' is on the verge of breaking up!

— TPP spokespersonDescribing the current state of negotiations for the Zhubei mayoral election.

The TPP has accused the KMT of reneging on a supposed agreement. TPP chairman Huang Kuo-chang stated that a prior understanding involved the TPP supporting the KMT's candidate for Hsinchu County Magistrate, in return for the KMT backing TPP's candidate, Chiu Chen-yuan, for Zhubei Mayor. The TPP claims the KMT's failure to honor this deal has pushed the alliance to the brink of collapse.

Adding to the complexity, local KMT branches in Hsinchu County, where the party has held power for over 24 years, are reportedly resistant to any agreement that would cede the Zhubei mayoral seat to the TPP. This local opposition stems from a strong grassroots base and a reluctance to relinquish control in a key political stronghold.

The county magistrate for Hsinchu County in exchange for Zhubei Mayor.

— Huang Kuo-changExplaining the alleged prior agreement between the KMT and TPP.

Chiu Chen-yuan, the TPP's candidate, previously served as Deputy Mayor and acting Mayor of Hsinchu City. The TPP believes it has a solid base in Hsinchu County, evidenced by strong support for presidential candidate Ko Wen-je in the region during the 2024 election. The party emphasizes its commitment to Zhubei and criticizes the KMT for alleged "breach of faith."

We have to hold onto our promise to Zhubei.

— TPP candidate Chiu Chen-yuanEmphasizing the TPP's commitment to the Zhubei election and criticizing the KMT.

The KMT, however, maintains that no formal, written agreement was finalized. The Hsinchu County branch of the KMT proceeded with its own primary, ultimately nominating Wu Hsiu-chih, who has completed the official registration process. This divergence highlights a significant disconnect between the parties' central leadership and their local organizations, as well as a lack of clear, binding agreements.

The KMT's Hsinchu County branch has never received instructions to yield to the TPP.

— KMT Hsinchu County branchStating their position on the Zhubei mayoral election negotiations.
About this summary

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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