New taipei: The leaders of Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) convened on Wednesday to deliberate on potential collaboration strategies for the upcoming 2026 local elections. During the public meeting, KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun expressed her hope that the recent legislative cooperation between the parties would evolve and strengthen as they approach the elections.
According to Focus Taiwan, Cheng articulated her vision for a partnership that transcends mere candidate promotion, aiming for a comprehensive collaboration that leverages the strengths of both parties. She acknowledged past challenges in forming a KMT-TPP alliance but emphasized the necessity of overcoming these hurdles without succumbing to discouragement or selfish intentions.
Cheng mentioned that despite not being well-acquainted with TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang prior to their meeting, she felt a strong alignment in their objectives. She expressed optimism about the KMT and TPP working together swiftly to secure electoral success through a democratic and transparent process.
Huang, on his part, noted that while the TPP and KMT have different histories, backgrounds, and policies, these differences should not impede their collaboration for the benefit of Taiwan and its citizens. He emphasized that competition between the two parties need not be a zero-sum game and pledged the TPP's sincere efforts towards selecting the strongest candidates.
Huang indicated plans to engage the TPP's think tank in discussions with the KMT's counterpart, focusing on local governance and the parties' goals for the 2026 elections. The prospect of an alliance traces back to Taiwan's 2024 presidential elections, where a joint ticket between KMT and TPP candidates was considered but ultimately did not materialize.
Historically, the KMT and TPP have collaborated in the Legislature, maintaining a combined majority of the seats. The two parties are increasingly receptive to the idea of working together for the 2026 local elections and potentially forming a "unity government" following the 2028 national elections.
Cheng clarified that any future arrangement would resemble France's dual executive system rather than European parliamentary models. She also found the TPP's target to finalize a cooperation agreement with the KMT by March to be reasonable.
In contrast, DPP spokesperson Wu Cheng criticized the opposition leaders' meeting, describing it as an "anti-DPP struggle session" that failed to contribute to national unity or progress.