Ruling Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Eric Chu is calling for voters to support the KMT. Taiwan will hold its presidential election on Saturday. Chu was speaking on Tuesday in light of KMT supporters who are divided between supporting the KMT and parties that have split from the KMT.
“I think all kinds of disturbances will start to affect election campaigns. Everyone must be steadfast in their beliefs and muster votes," said Chu. "Please vote for me Eric Chu for president. Please vote for KMT candidates for legislators. I think in the end Pan-Blue Coalition supporters will centralize their votes and vote for me Eric Chu.”
KMT is part of the Pan-Blue Coalition, a political alliance that favors closer ties with China.
Meanwhile, Chu said that his opponent from the Democratic Progressive Party, Tsai Ing-wen, should not be unclear about her food safety policy. Taiwan currently bans the import of US pork with the leanness enhancement drug ractopamine.
“[Allowing US pork imports] at this time will cause much controversy. But I believe that as long as you support Eric Chu, it wouldn’t even be an issue," said Chu. "I’ve said before, many of her standpoints are unclear. She is inconsistent. Many people need an answer. People will be voting on Saturday. As a presidential candidate, she should be clear in telling everyone her viewpoint. Actually the most important issue is doubts about US pork. We are doubtful about our health and food safety. Since you are talking about food safety policies, you should be standing on the side of the people.”
Chu said that Tsai should clarify her position since she spoke on lifting the ban on US pork imports at the presidential debates.