KAOHSIUNG (TVBS News) — As Taiwan's election season heads into its golden week, Taiwan People's Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je took to the streets of Kaohsiung in a campaign carnival on Sunday (Jan. 7).
Surprisingly, Ko ran into the Kuomintang (KMT) legislative candidate Lee Min-hsuan during his tour. Instead of engaging in a traditional war of words, the two opponents wished each other luck in the upcoming elections on Jan. 13 — an unusual display of civility amid the heated political climate.
However, not all exchanges were as friendly. Han Kuo-yu, the KMT legislator-at-large nominee, publicly stated his low expectations for Ko's prospective presidential victory.
Besides voicing his skepticism about Ko's chances, Han also courted Ko's supporters, encouraging them to cast their ballots for KMT's presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih. Ko responded by expressing his understanding of Han's tactics, citing the pressure within political races.
As Ko and his entourage moved through Kaohsiung, reactions varied widely. While some locals cheered him on, others showed signs of discontent. Kaohsiung, a stronghold of the DPP, has shown noticeable opposition towards Ko's campaign, signaling a tough battle ahead.
