Rallies for November’s elections are kicking into high gear, with gatherings being held across the country.
On Sunday, Supporters cheered for Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker Puma Shen at a launch rally for his campaign for Taipei mayor.
He says he's running on a campaign of positivity and capability.
PUMA SHEN, TAIPEI MAYOR CANDIDATE (DPP):
"I want to help more people connect with Taipei's historical and cultural heritage. And every lonely person should know that the warmth we offer is meant to extend into everyone's hearts and everyone’s corner of the world. Our policies aim to bring everyone together because that's what being Taipei mayor is about."
The 44-year old information warfare expert entered the legislature as a party-list lawmaker for the DPP in 2024, and has a PhD from the University of California, Irvine in the US.
President Lai Ching-te, who also serves as Chair of the DPP came out to support him. He says Shen has the background to build a bridge between Taiwan and the world.
LAI CHING-TE, TAIWAN PRESIDENT:
"Puma has a global perspective he has both the capability and the vision to lead Taipei onto the world stage and build the city as a bridge between Taiwan and the international community making it worthy of being the capital. Don't you agree?"
Other DPP heavyweights came to endorse Shen, including over two dozen city councillors… Premier Cho Jung-tai, Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao.
At the end of the rally, former president Tsai Ing-wen came out in a surprise appearance, after it was announced that she would be Shen's campaign chair.
Other campaigns around Taiwan are ramping up, too.
In Taichung, KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun came out to support the start of lawmaker Johnny Chiang's bid for mayor.
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu and incumbent Taichung Mayor Lu Show-yen showed up too.
JOHNNY CHIANG, TAICHUNG MAYOR CANDIDATE (KMT):
"Our city isn't just big, strong and brave we are global, intelligent and embrace sustainability. This is Taichung's future three-part transformation. How does that sound?"
KMT heavyweights also made their rounds at a rally supporting Lee Shu-chuan, the KMT candidate for New Taipei mayor—who would oversee the most populated city in Taiwan.
The city has been held by KMT mayors for the past 15 years.
CHENG LI-WUN, KMT CHAIR:
"This is about ordinary people versus the elite class. This election is a battle for our party to demonstrate true integrity and clean governance and stand up against the overwhelming power and privilege by the DPP's ruling dynasty. Everyone in New Taipei is Lee Shu-chuan. Lee Shu-chuan is the same as everyone in New Taipei."
As competition ramps up, candidates will be making more frequent appearances as they try to convince voters ahead of election day, set for November 28th.
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