TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨) announced on its website Monday (Jan. 13) that its by-election for its party chairmanship will open online registration beginning Tuesday (Jan. 14) at 9 a.m., with the election set for Feb. 15 through online voting. This comes after former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) resigned as party chairman amid corruption charges.
On New Year's Day, Ko convened an expanded Central Committee meeting to formalize his resignation. The committee appointed Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) as acting chairman. Ko expressed his hope that the new chairman would be elected around Feb. 1 to continue leading the party alongside the Central Committee.
TPP Secretary-General Vincent Chou (周榆修) stated that the earliest the election process could occur is late February. The party requires candidates to have joined by Feb. 14, 2024, to meet the one-year membership rule before the voting date. To be eligible, candidates and voters must settle all dues by Tuesday (Jan. 14), and not be under suspension.
The party plans to draw lots for candidate numbers on Feb. 4, followed by the publication of the election bulletin on Feb. 6, which will include candidate lists and political platforms. It will host two policy presentation sessions on Feb. 8 and Feb. 14. After the election concludes on Feb. 15, the party will release the vote tallies and results, with the official announcement of the third chairman on Feb. 19.
