Ko Wen-je Leads TPP Cyclists on 40-Kilometer Tour to Connect With Voters

Ko Wen-je today (the 25th) teamed up with Chupei mayoral candidate Chiu Chen-yuan and party-affiliated city council candidates to form a bicycle convoy, riding bicycles from Chutung through Chupei and Hsinfeng to Hukou. The entire route was approximately forty kilometers long, featuring enthusiastic interactions with citizens along the way. This trip was not only a simple promotional event, but also a concrete manifestation of the Taiwan People's Party's "iron horse" spirit, showcasing Ko Wen-je's image centered on being approachable and pragmatic in local elections. From the itinerary design to the dialogues with local residents, the overall rhythm revealed a focus on local issues and a sincere response to voters' needs.

Since its establishment in 2019, the Taiwan People's Party has operated with the mission of "serving the people without regard to party affiliation," attempting to carve out a third force in Taiwan's two-party-dominated political environment. After being elected Taipei mayor in 2018, Ko Wen-je won the favor of many voters with his pragmatic and transparent administrative style, and ran for the presidency under the banner of the Taiwan People's Party in 2022. Although he did not win the election, he still secured a considerable number of votes in most constituencies. In this local election, the Taiwan People's Party has set its sights on Chupei City, attempting to build a solid electoral foundation in the northern region by leveraging Ko Wen-je's name recognition and Chiu Chen-yuan's local roots. The bicycle campaign is the core of this strategy, highlighting the party's "localized" and "approachable" characteristics by physically walking into communities and listening to the voices of the people.

The route selection for the bicycle campaign also holds symbolic significance. Starting from Chutung, passing through the commercial district of Chupei City and the agricultural area of Hsinfeng Township, and ending at the fishing port in Hukou, the entire route covers Chupei City's main administrative districts and neighboring townships, allowing voters in different living environments to feel the party's care. Along the way, Ko Wen-je discussed issues such as agricultural subsidies, youth employment, and infrastructure with local farmers, and stopped in downtown Chupei to hold impromptu forums with citizens, thereby gathering public demands regarding public services, transportation, and environmental protection. This approach of "walking among the people and listening to their voices" is the Taiwan People's Party's consistent communication model during elections, which narrows the distance with voters.

From a political perspective, this bicycle campaign is not only a propaganda tool for local elections, but also a direct demonstration of stances and policies. As the administrative center of Hsinshinchu County, Chupei City boasts abundant technology industry and educational resources, while also facing challenges such as population aging, traffic congestion, and environmental protection. By personally riding a bicycle, Ko Wen-je conveyed the message of "leading by example and pragmatic governance," contrasting with the Kuomintang and the Democratic Progressive Party on traditional political issues. Especially given that the two major parties each have their own strengths and shortcomings in local governance, the Taiwan People's Party's "iron horse" strategy provides a new model of electoral communication, which may attract voters—particularly young demographics and the middle class—who are disillusioned with traditional political models.

Furthermore, this bicycle campaign also highlights the diversification and fierce competition of Taiwan's local elections. As voters' attention to local issues increases, elections are no longer merely a contest between parties, but a test of the practical effectiveness of local governance. The cooperation between Ko Wen-je and Chiu Chen-yuan combines the Taiwan People's Party's national resources with Chupei City's local strength, aiming to build a political group capable of rapidly responding to public opinion and solving practical problems at the local level. If substantive progress can be made in the election, it will further break the dominance of the traditional two parties and inject new vitality into Taiwan's politics.

Overall, the action led by Ko Wen-je and the Taiwan People's Party bicycle team is not only a promotional event, but also a practice of the political philosophy of being "approachable, pragmatic, and local." By personally riding bicycles and stepping into various communities, Ko Wen-je and the party caucus demonstrated deep concern for local issues and sincerity in offering solutions. This move will not only boost the visibility of the Taiwan People's Party in Chupei City, but may also bring a new competitive landscape to Taiwan's local elections. If the Taiwan People's Party can achieve a breakthrough in the election, it will further prove the feasibility and influence of the third force in Taiwan's multi-party system.