As the year-end “Nine-in-One” elections approach, the political landscape in Taipei is intensifying. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) selection committee has officially endorsed Legislator Shen Po-yang as its candidate for the capital, setting the stage for a high-stakes challenge against incumbent Mayor Chiang Wan-an.
The race has already begun to show signs of friction, with both camps exchanging verbal volleys over various policy issues. Taipei remains a historically challenging district for the DPP, which has not held the mayoralty since the tenure of former President Chen Shui-bian.
A Strategy of Persistence
On May 28, Chen Shui-bian and Shen Po-yang appeared together for the first time at a gratitude banquet hosted by the Ketagalan Foundation. Addressing recent polling data from TVBS, which shows Mayor Chiang Wan-an leading with 58% support against Shen’s 30%, Chen expressed confidence in his party’s candidate.
Drawing on his own political history, Chen recalled the 2004 presidential election, noting that he had once trailed his opponents in the “Lien-Soong” ticket with only 26% support compared to their 51%. Chen argued that despite the current 28% gap, the remaining six months before the election provide ample time for Shen to close the distance.
Campaign Outlook
For his part, Shen Po-yang signaled his respect for the former president, describing Chen as the “best mayor” in Taipei’s history. Shen noted that he has long looked to Chen as a mentor and expressed his intent to consult with him frequently as the campaign moves forward.
Shen also shared personal reflections on his early political engagement, recounting how he collected campaign memorabilia and attended events during Chen’s earlier runs for office. As the campaign progresses, observers expect the DPP to focus heavily on narrowing the polling gap through increased public engagement and leveraging the institutional memory of party stalwarts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the DPP candidate for the Taipei mayoral race?
The DPP has selected Legislator Shen Po-yang to challenge incumbent Mayor Chiang Wan-an.
What is the current polling status between the two candidates?
According to recent TVBS polling, Chiang Wan-an holds 58% support, while Shen Po-yang holds 30%, representing a 28% difference.
Why does Chen Shui-bian believe the gap can be closed?
Chen cited his experience in the 2004 presidential election, where he overcame a significant polling deficit to win and noted that Notice still six months remaining before the election.
Do you believe historical campaign narratives have a significant impact on modern voter behavior in Taipei?
