Worried About Primary 'Protest Votes' in Hsinchu, Chiu Chen-hsin Says Chen Chien-hsien Heavily Injured, Integration Efforts Underway

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairwoman Chiu Chen-hsin has openly admitted to ongoing efforts to unify the party following contentious primary elections, particularly highlighting the situation in Hsinchu County. She acknowledged that "protest votes" cast during the primaries have significantly "injured" Vice County Magistrate Chen Chien-hsien and that reconciliation efforts are still underway.

Chiu expressed concern that these internal divisions could affect the KMT's performance in the upcoming year-end elections. "The protest votes from the primaries have not been completely resolved," she stated during an interview, emphasizing the need for the party to overcome these lingering resentments to present a united front against the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

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The protest votes from the primaries have not been completely resolved.

The KMT is planning a mobile standing committee meeting in Hsinchu County to bolster grassroots support and demonstrate solidarity. Chiu noted that the DPP's candidate in Hsinchu, Cheng Chao-fang, is a strong contender, making the KMT's internal unity crucial for victory. She described the current situation in Hsinchu as a "fifty-fifty" race, with a slight advantage for the KMT, but stressed that a complete and successful integration is necessary to secure a win.

Beyond Hsinchu, Chiu also touched upon other electoral battlegrounds, including Yilan County, where the KMT candidate Wu Tsung-hsien's support is reportedly growing. She also expressed optimism about the party's prospects in southern Taiwan, including Kaohsiung, Tainan, and Pingtung, citing a palpable desire for change among voters and perceived weaknesses within the DPP's nominations and primary processes.

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Vice County Magistrate Chen Chien-hsien was heavily injured.