DPP lawmaker urges nationwide mobilization to counter KMT political offensive.

Lai Jui-lung, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate for the Kaohsiung mayoral election, held the inaugural meeting of his campaign headquarters this Saturday (the 17th). He collaborated with Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Bo-yang to launch a joint ribbon, encouraging voters to wear the ribbon when attending the event. This initiative serves not only as a visual symbol of unity but also aims to convey the message of "Kaohsiung and Taipei in unison," highlighting the DPP's coordinated strategy across urban areas nationwide. During the rally, Lai emphasized that if the DPP can hold its stronghold in Kaohsiung, it will create a positive cycle in the nationwide political landscape between the DPP and the Kuomintang (KMT). He urged supporters to treat the ribbon as a "bond of strength" to collectively drive momentum toward victory.

Shen focused on "cross-city cooperation," noting that Taipei and Kaohsiung share common challenges in industrial upgrading, youth employment, and public infrastructure. He stated that if the two cities form a mutually supportive alliance during the election period, it would enhance the efficiency of the DPP's policy promotion. Shen revealed that he plans to continue holding similar joint events in Taipei and the southern region, aiming to rally supporters both inside and outside the party through shared slogans and symbols. Analysts believe that the planning of this joint ribbon, in addition to increasing Lai's local visibility, creates an atmosphere of "national unity" for the DPP in the election psychology, countering the KMT's traditional advantage in local elections.

In contrast, KMT candidate for Kaohsiung mayor Ke Zhi-en held a press conference on the same day, previewing a large-scale platform event to be held this weekend and announcing the lineup of speakers. Ke emphasized that the event would invite local entrepreneurs, representatives from social organizations, and heavyweight figures from the party. She stated that the platform would replace mere slogans with "practical actions," presenting voters with a concrete blueprint for economic revitalization and public services. Ke also mentioned that the platform event would incorporate local Kaohsiung characteristics, such as port development and the green energy industry, aiming to attract moderate voters with a "pragmatic" image and weaken the DPP's coalition effect.

From the perspective of election strategy, the competition between the two parties in Kaohsiung has entered its final phase. The DPP is attempting to expand its mobilization scope by projecting an image of "alliance" through cross-county joint actions, while the KMT is returning to its traditional route of "local roots" and "pragmatic commitments," aiming to persuade voters with specific policies. Observers point out that if Ke’s platform lineup successfully attracts small and medium-sized enterprises and the youth demographic, it will form an effective counter to Lai’s "ribbon" mobilization. Conversely, if the DPP’s cross-city alliance achieves viral spread on social media, it may also boost party identification among Kaohsiung voters in a short period.

Overall, the Kaohsiung mayoral race, which is set to intensify this weekend, is not merely a direct contest of local party strength but also a microcosm of the two parties' struggle for future direction on the national political map. Whether through the symbolic mobilization of the ribbon or the practical demonstration of the platform, candidates are employing different methods to compete for voters' attention and support. As election day approaches, how the final offensives of both sides will influence the voting intentions of Kaohsiung citizens remains a key focus for observation in the coming days. (Source: Central News Agency)