Taipei:Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen held his first campaign motorcade in the capital on Sunday, attracting thousands of supporters. Meanwhile, incumbent Kuomintang (KMT) Mayor Chiang Wan-an urged Shen's camp to coordinate a televised election debate.
According to Focus Taiwan, Shen's motorcade began in Datong District, with many supporters joining the procession on scooters and carrying campaign banners. This display is a traditional feature of local elections in Taiwan, allowing candidates to engage with voters and demonstrate public support.
The motorcade concluded at Dalongdong Baoan Temple, where Shen was warmly welcomed by a crowd of wellwishers. Prior to the event, Shen reiterated his request for four debates, arguing that a single debate would not suffice for comprehensive discussions on policy issues. His campaign plans to attend a coordination meeting on Monday.
Earlier on Sunday, Chiang addressed Shen's proposal for four debates, emphasizing that the primary goal should be to ensure debates take place, rather than using them as a campaign strategy. Both candidates have agreed in principle to a televised debate with broadcaster TVBS and have signed consent forms. Representatives from both camps are scheduled to meet on Monday to finalize details, and Chiang encouraged Shen's team to participate.
Taiwan's 2026 local elections, known as the "9-in-1" elections, are set for November 28. Voters across Taiwan's 22 cities and counties will elect officials for nine different local government positions, including city mayors and county magistrates. In total, 11,051 officials at various levels of local government will be elected.
