KMT

Han and the KMT Face a Wave of Last-Minute Scandals

Brian Hioe
There is an observable pattern of last-minute scandals breaking the news shortly before elections are set to take place in Taiwan. This seems to have been the case in the last 72 hours, with a number of scandals about the KMT that have suddenly erupted out in the open, as well as, to a lesser extent, the TPP. Most scandals are relatively minor, with the exception of explosive allegations against Alex Tsai of the KMT, which could potentially have a strong impact on elections tomorrow...
EnglishJanuary 2020Politics5 min read

With One Day Before Elections, Results Prove Hard to Predict

Brian Hioe
Speculation abounds regarding the possible outcome of 2020 elections, with elections set to take place tomorrow. In particular, a large demonstration by Han Kuo-yu supporters yesterday in Taipei, which was attended by several hundred thousand people, has led to fears that Han may do quite well in the election. Yesterday’s rally was scheduled to be the last major rally of the Han campaign...
EnglishJanuary 2020Politics5 min read

Unexpected Reversals in the Pan-Blue Camp Over the Past Year Indicate Party’s Tenuous Future

Brian Hioe
The KMT appeared to have experienced a reversal of political fortunes in 2018 elections, in which against expectations, the KMT proved resurgent. Some half a year later, the KMT’s fortunes seem to have reversed. Backlash against the KMT ensued after it released its party list, which was stacked with pro-China candidates. Han is increasingly unpopularity as candidate, having incensed the public with numerous gaffes and having gained a reputation for mismanagement as mayor of Kaohsiung...
EnglishJanuary 2020Politics7 min read

Death of Military Chief Will Likely Be Used to Attack Tsai by the Han Campaign, Chinese Disinformation Efforts

Brian Hioe
The unexpected death of Shen Yi-ming, Taiwan’s military chief of staff, in a helicopter crash earlier today is likely to provide fodder for electioneering in the coming days. While both the Tsai and Han campaigns have announced a three-day break from campaign activities in the wake of Shen’s death, it is probable that the incident will eventually be used by the Han campaign as a means of attacking the Tsai administration. It is also highly likely that the incident will become the object of Chinese disinformation efforts...
EnglishJanuary 2020Politics5 min read