William Lai Ching-te - Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

William Lai (Source: Ming-Tang Huang)

William Lai Ching-te, the former vice president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), emerges as a seasoned politician with nearly three decades of political experience. Lai rose through the ranks of the DPP and was nominated as the party's candidate for the 2024 presidential election. His long-standing involvement in politics has earned him a reputation of a pragmatic and decisive leader.

During his announcement press conference on April 12th, Lai emphasized Taiwan's commitment to exercising its own sovereignty, stating that declaring independence is unnecessary at this time. In terms of national security, Lai stressed the importance of strengthening Taiwan's military capabilities, recognizing the potential risks and challenges posed by cross-strait relations.

KMT's victory vs. DPP's defeat? The real story behind Taiwan’s local elections

Name: Lai Ching-te
Year of birth: 1959 (age 63)
Education: Harvard School of Public Health
Experience: Vice president of the Republic of China (Taiwan), president of the Executive Yuan, Mayor of Tainan, legislator, representative of the National Assembly

Hou Yu-ih - Kuomintang (KMT)

Hou Yu-ih (Source: Chien-Ying Chiu)

Hou Yu-ih, the 14th Mayor of New Taipei City, brings a wealth of administrative experience to his candidacy. His political journey began in 2010 when he assumed the position of deputy mayor in New Taipei City. Hou's astute leadership and dedication to public service have earned him recognition within the KMT.

KMT President Eric Chu Li-luan officially declared Hou as the party's candidate on May 17th, effectively putting an end to the internal competition between Hou and Foxconn CEO Terry Gou. The decision to nominate Hou underscores his appeal within the party and his ability to unite different factions.

According to recent polls conducted by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation, Hou Yu-ih enjoys a support rate of 27.6%, surpassing Gou's 24.4% support rate, if he were to run as the KMT candidate. This reflects a growing confidence in Hou's leadership and his potential to rally voters across the political spectrum.

The Cop Who Became Taiwan’s Top-rated Mayor, interview with Hou Yu-ih

Name: Hou Yu-ih
Year of birth: 1957 (age 65)
Education: Central Police University, Ph.D. of Crime Prevention and Corrections
Experience: Mayor of New Taipei City, deputy mayor of New Taipei City, Commissioner of Criminal Investigation Bureau, Principal of Central Police University

Ko Wen-je - Taiwan People's Party (TPP)

Ko Wen-je (Source: Chien-Ying Chiu)

Ko Wen-je, a renowned surgeon with expertise in organ transplantation, entered the political arena after he was elected mayor of Taipei City in 2014. Known for his pragmatic approach and willingness to tackle challenging issues, Ko has positioned himself as a political outsider seeking to bring fresh perspectives to the table.

In 2019, Ko established the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and assumed the role of chairman. One goal of this party claimed is to bridge the gap between traditional ideologies and foster pragmatic governance, appealing to voters seeking alternative options beyond the established parties.

At his announcement press conference, Ko emphasized the need for Taiwan to navigate potential conflicts in the Taiwan Strait with caution. Recognizing the delicate nature of cross-strait relations, he emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability while safeguarding Taiwan's national interests.

Taipei Mayor-elect Ko Wen-je: Aspiring for a More Just Society, interview with Ko Wen-je

Name: Ko Wen-je
Year of birth: 1956 (age 63)
Education: National Taiwan University College of Medicine
Experience: Mayor of Taipei City, Director of Department of Traumatology at National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH), Physician at Emergency Department of NTUH, Professor at NTU

("#TaiwanVotes2024" is a biweekly column that provides summaries of updates leading up to the 2024 Taiwan Presidential Election.)

Have you read?

• KMT's victory vs. DPP's defeat? The real story behind Taiwan’s local elections 
• The Cop Who Became Taiwan’s Top-rated Mayor 
• Taipei Mayor-elect Ko Wen-je: Aspiring for a More Just Society

Uploaded by Ian Huang