Taiwan’s midterm elections are coming up on November 26. With political campaigns running full force, some candidates are trying to gather support from major political figures.
On Thursday President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) made her way to northern Taiwan’s Keelung City. With Taiwan’s district elections less than ten days away, the president went to show that her party is paying close attention to the city’s affairs.
Tsai says when a mudslide blocked the highway connecting Keelung to Taipei earlier this month, the government immediately acted. The railway administration increased the frequency of trains connecting the two cities, ensuring that commuters could get home.
DPP candidate for Keelung mayor Tsai Shih-ying (蔡適應) has made transportation central to his platform. That includes a proposal to create a NT$1,200 (US$39) unlimited public transport pass for Keelung, Greater Taipei, and Taoyuan.
Current Keelung Mayor Lin You-chang (林右昌) says the transportation plan will likely cost the city an additional NT$100 million (US$3.2 million) in funding. He says the city can afford it.
As Tsai supported her candidate, KMT Keelung mayor hopeful Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑) held his own event. The rally included former president Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九).
Hsieh says former President Ma’s support has given his campaign a huge boost. He says Ma's presence forced his DPP opponent to invite President Tsai.
Candidate Tsai disagrees. He says Keelung was Taiwan’s most backward city in Taiwan during Ma’s administration. He says Ma’s former transport minister has been criticized by the city’s council. Tsai says he’s confused why his adversary would bring such a figure to the city.
With the election days away, campaigns around the country are getting intense.