A well-known surgeon and newcomer to politics Ko Wen-je has emerged as the leading opposition candidate for Taipei mayoral elections in November.
Ko beat legislator Yao Wen-chih in a pan-opposition telephone poll overnight. The result was announced Friday and the Democratic Progressive Party looks set to endorse Ko’s candidacy even though he is not a party member.
He will run as an independent against Sean Lien of the ruling Kuomintang. The incumbent mayor Hau Lung-bin will step down after completing two four-year terms. Ko is likely to face an uphill battle in a city considered a Kuomintang stronghold.