Browsing: Mayoral race 2026

Ko’s proposal calls for venue fees to be used as an incentive to encourage real-name ticket purchasing, with the stated goal of reducing ticket scalping and protecting fans. Her campaign has also proposed linking concerts with certified “friendly lodging” programs and local travel packages.

District 5, which covers the suburban districts of Dashe (大社區), Renwu (仁武區), Nanzih (楠梓區), and Dashu (大樹區), has five available council seats and has historically favored Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidates. While formal campaign activity remains limited ahead of the local elections later this year, contenders from across the political spectrum are competing for public visibility through community gatherings and social media operations.

The United Daily News reported that Taichung’s Blue Line has not yet begun main civil construction, but its original budget of NT$161.5 billion is no longer sufficient. The Taichung Mass Rapid Transit Bureau estimates that the project may require nearly NT$100 billion more to complete the 11 underground stations.

Lai said the latest poll was only a temporary indicator and that his campaign would continue strengthening local support. Ko’s campaign questioned the poll’s credibility, calling it a survey released by a “green think tank.” The contrast shows how polling sponsor, timing, wording, sampling, and method can shape results and how campaigns interpret them.

The image circulated on social media this week after a Threads user who described themselves as an Indian resident who has lived in Taiwan for years called the campaign material “blatant and direct racial discrimination.” The post said it was legitimate to debate migrant worker policy, but argued that using cultural and ethnic imagery to oppose a specific group crossed a line.

The latest poll found Lai with 47 percent support and Ko with 30.7 percent. Another 22.3 percent of respondents were undecided.

As the campaign progresses, the “crowdfunding” debate reflects a wider split over whether the government should be a direct financier of local industry or simply a facilitator for private investment.

Liu described the conviction as a “critical life lesson” that taught him humility and a deeper understanding of responsibility. He further urged the public to judge his value not just by a “mistake from many years ago,” but by how he rose from that fall and the contributions he is making to society today.

Polls have shown Lai ahead 45.5%, with Ko at 26.2% — but others have Ko leading Lai 44% to 37.7%, underscoring how fluid the race still appears to be this far from election day.

The visit came as Tsai has remained highly visible on social media after leaving office, with recent appearances alongside Democratic Progressive Party candidates in other parts of Taiwan.