KMT Chairwoman Chiang Wan-an Supports Grassroots Mobilization Against State Power

The race for the Taipei mayoralty has entered the final sprint of the "Nine-in-One" local elections, with voter enthusiasm and partisan maneuvering intensifying in tandem. Since the local elections held at the end of last year, the political landscape in Taipei has become highly fragmented, with fierce competition between the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the Kuomintang (KMT) for seats in the city council and grassroots positions such as neighborhood chiefs. This campaign extends beyond the mayoral office itself, as it carries significant implications for the national political trajectory; as the capital, Taipei is frequently viewed as a testing ground for the policies and images of various political parties. As election day approaches, candidates and party headquarters are ramping up their promotional efforts and holding rallies, while voters' focus is shifting from specific urban governance issues to broader judgments regarding the future direction of the major parties.

Against this backdrop, KMT Chairman Cheng Li-ven publicly endorsed incumbent Mayor Chou Tz-yu’s bid for re-election during a media interview today. She noted that although the KMT faces pressure in Taipei from the "state machinery"—defined as the administrative resources and media advantages held by the ruling party—"a little turbulence is nothing." She emphasized that as long as party members and supporters remain united, they can withstand external shocks. Cheng’s remarks served not only as encouragement for Chou but also as a call to the party’s grassroots forces, aiming to bolster voter confidence and turnout during the final phase of the campaign.

Since assuming the role of Taipei mayor in 2022, Chou has advanced several urban renewal and public infrastructure projects, including metro line extensions, the renovation of aging residential buildings, and the establishment of a smart city platform. These achievements have been highlighted as key selling points for his re-election in the eyes of some voters. However, critics argue that the balance between municipal fund allocation and social welfare still requires improvement. In this election cycle, the KMT is attempting to position "performance-based governance" as its core appeal, contrasting it with the ruling party’s national-level policy controversies to highlight the practical results of local administration. In contrast, the DPP is centering its campaign on "national development" and "social justice," emphasizing collaboration between central and local governments to cultivate a broader policy perspective among voters in the capital.

Notably, the outcome of the Taipei mayoral election will have ripple effects on both parties’ strategies for future Legislative Yuan and presidential elections. If Chou secures re-election, the KMT’s political footprint in the capital will be consolidated, potentially enhancing its parliamentary seats and policy influence on a national scale. Conversely, if the DPP or other political forces secure the mayoral seat, it could accelerate the ruling party’s policy implementation and voter base expansion across Taiwan. Analysts point out that the political symbolism of the Taipei mayoralty far exceeds that of other direct-controlled municipalities, as its direct access to central administrative resources means that future policy directions and party images will generate a demonstration effect from the capital.

In summary, the electoral dynamics in Taipei are no longer merely a contest over local governance; they reflect the two major parties’ struggle for discursive power on the national political map. Cheng’s metaphor of "turbulence" reflects the KMT’s self-encouragement and strategic adjustments in the face of resource disadvantages. Meanwhile, Chou’s record on administration and the DPP’s national perspective together constitute the multiple factors voters must weigh when casting their ballots. As election day nears, the choices made by Taipei residents will have a profound impact on Taiwan’s political landscape in the coming year. (Source: Central News Agency)