Taiwan gears up for first presidential policy forum

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's 2024 Presidential Election, just 24 days away, kicks off with the inaugural televised policy presentation forums on Wednesday (Dec. 20).

Candidates, including Hou Yu-ih (KMT), Lai Ching-te (DPP), and Ko Wen-je (TPP), are gearing up to articulate their platforms during a 100-minute session, chaired by Lee Chin-yung of the Central Election Commission (CEC).

CEC has scheduled three such forums on Dec. 20, 26, and 28, with an additional event for vice-presidential candidates on Dec. 22.

These live televised sessions, accessible via television and the CEC website, allocate each candidate 30 minutes to engage with the public, divided into three 10-minute segments.

These forums align with regulations stipulating four events — three for presidential candidates and one for vice-presidential contenders. The forums serve as a pivotal opportunity for candidates to connect with voters and influence public sentiment in the campaign's final weeks.