TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Terry Gou, the founder of Foxconn, aims to secure the presidential nomination from Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), despite leaving the party four years ago when it nominated Han Kuo-yu as its candidate.
However, Gou's determination could make things difficult for KMT Chairman Eric Chu. Another strong contender, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi, has long been considered the top candidate for the opposition party.
Hou has not been particularly vocal about his intentions, but his recent trip to Singapore suggests an attempt to secure international support for his bid.
This Guo-Huo dilemma is an essential issue for the KMT, as it must carefully nominate its presidential candidate to get a chance to return to power.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) selected current Vice President Lai Ching-te, and Taiwan People's Party's Ko Wen-je has also formally announced his bid to run for president.
According to a recent Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation poll, Lai is taking the lead in public support, while Hou has more support than Gou.
The polls can't dampen Gou's mood as he begins his campaign. Gou visited Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Taichung, and he concluded his week-long campaign in Banqiao, New Taipei, on Friday (May 12).
The event unfolded just a few blocks from Hou's city government office, establishing another divide before the KMT's final decision, slated for May 17.
