Taiwan's KMT to expel members who run as independents

The Kuomintang (KMT) party's Taichung City headquarters has announced a strict policy: any nominated party member who registers to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections will face immediate expulsion or revocation of their party membership. This directive comes as the November 28 elections approach, with less than five months remaining.

The KMT's Taichung branch nominated 34 candidates for city council seats, aiming to maintain the current number of elected officials. However, some party members who were not nominated are insisting on running in their respective districts. These individuals have been seen continuing their campaign activities, sometimes alongside the mayoral candidate, Jiang Qichen. The city party headquarters initially worried about confusing supporters and considered recommending disciplinary action before registration.

However, the KMT central party has issued a directive to the city headquarters. The central party's letter clearly states that any party member who registers to run in a district where the party has nominated or called for a candidate will be expelled or have their party membership revoked. This means disciplinary action will only occur upon registration, not before.

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Two unnominated members, Zhou Qiyang running in the Southeast district and Zheng Boqi in Dali-Wufeng, have stated they "respect" the decision but will continue their campaigns. They questioned the city party headquarters' system and lack of opportunities for new candidates. KMT Taichung Vice Chairman Chen Ming-chen explained that the party nominated 34 seats to match the current number. However, due to a reduction of one seat in the Southeast district and Dali-Wufeng being a traditional stronghold for the Democratic Progressive Party, the KMT cannot field additional candidates without jeopardizing existing seats.

Chen Ming-chen added that while the party respects the decision of unnominated members to run independently, expulsion means party membership can only be restored after four years, and revocation after five. He urged them to consider the significant political changes that can occur within such timeframes.

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The KMT's Taichung City party headquarters stated that unnominated party members who register to run will be expelled or have their party membership revoked.