TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT, 國民黨), will announce procedures and scheduling for its upcoming chairmanship election on Wednesday (July 30). The timing reflects internal party deliberations aimed at avoiding any interference with a crucial recall vote set for Aug. 23. Party leaders are carefully coordinating these electoral processes to maintain strategic focus during this politically sensitive period.
KMT legislator Chen Yu-jen (陳玉珍) advocated for postponing the party chairmanship registration process until after the Aug. 23 recall vote concludes. Chen emphasized that delaying registration would prevent any potential interference with the recall election's outcome. Reports suggest that if procedures are approved on July 30, registration could begin on Aug. 18 or 19, though Chen recommends pushing this back by one week.
KMT legislator Wang Hung-wei (王鴻薇) emphasized the critical need for coordination between party chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) and Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕). Wang stressed that their collaboration remains essential to protect seven Kuomintang legislators facing the upcoming recall vote. Despite successfully weathering a major recall challenge on July 26, Wang noted that party unity must continue through the Aug. 23 recall vote.
The KMT's chairmanship election this year carries significant implications for the 2028 presidential race against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP, 民進黨). The party successfully defended 24 legislative seats during the July 26 recall, maintaining its majority in Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan (立法院). This legislative strength, combined with continued cooperation with the Taiwan People's Party (TPP, 民眾黨), positions the opposition to challenge President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) administration through parliamentary constraints.
