Typhoon No Impact as Kuo Wei Draws First Ballot in Kinmen Race

The drawing of lots for the Kinmen county mayor election was held on the 23rd of this month. Despite the impact of Typhoon “Qiangbi,” the event proceeded as scheduled. Seven candidates are vying for the position of county mayor. The drawing results indicated that non-partisan candidate Zhang Guowei drew the first number, Kuomintang candidate Chen Yuzhen drew the fifth, and another non-partisan candidate, Li Wenliang, drew the second. The drawing of lots is a traditional practice in local elections in Taiwan, using random selection to determine the order in which candidates deliver their opening statements, thereby ensuring the fairness and transparency of the electoral process. Although Typhoon “Qiangbi” caused partial road closures and power outages in the area, the county government and the election committee had implemented typhoon defense and election safety measures in advance to ensure that the drawing and subsequent election activities were not significantly affected.

As a key window for cross-strait relations between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the Kinmen county mayor is responsible not only for local administrative management but also plays a crucial role in promoting cross-strait economic exchange, tourism development, and social welfare. In recent years, the political landscape in Kinmen has shown a trend toward diversification. While the Kuomintang has traditionally held an advantage in local elections, independent candidates and the Democratic Progressive Party have gradually expanded their influence on local issues. Among the seven candidates in this election, two are non-partisan, representing the voices of local communities and civil groups, while Kuomintang candidate Chen Yuzhen continues the tradition of partisan politics. The election result will directly influence Kinmen’s policy direction regarding cross-strait affairs, infrastructure, and social welfare.

The drawing results hold significant implications for election strategies. The first number is often regarded as the “king’s position,” allowing the holder to speak first, attract media and voter attention, and establish an advantage for subsequent campaign activities. As a non-partisan candidate, Zhang Guowei can use this advantage to further enhance his exposure among voters and highlight his independent, non-partisan stance. In contrast, although Chen Yuzhen is the Kuomintang candidate, she drew the fifth number and must speak after the preceding candidates, potentially requiring more persuasive strategies in subsequent election programs. Li Wenliang, starting with the second number, does not have the same advantage as the first, but still enjoys a relatively high level of exposure.

The arrival of Typhoon “Qiangbi” itself could have a significant impact on the election. Due to its geographical location and climatic characteristics, the Kinmen region frequently faces threats from wind, rain, and waves during typhoon season. The county government...