A contested nomination for Hualien County Magistrate is unfolding within Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, as media personality ho Chi-sheng challenges his exclusion from the primary process.Ho alleges the decision reflects the influence of a long-established political family in the region and raises questions about internal party democracy ahead of the January 2026 elections. He is scheduled to formally protest the decision to the KMT central nomination committee tomorrow,January 9th,demanding a fairer opportunity to compete for the position.
By Emily Johnson, News Editor
A contentious primary battle is brewing within Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party as media personality Ho Chi-sheng alleges he was unfairly excluded from the race for Hualien County Magistrate. The dispute centers on accusations of a long-standing political dynasty controlling the region and questions of democratic process within the KMT.
On January 8, Ho publicly protested his exclusion from the KMT’s primary process, stating, “To declare a candidacy only to be blocked – is this still a democratic party?” The KMT’s Hualien County branch announced it would determine its nominee through polling of former Hualien City Mayor Yeh Yao-hui and Ji’an Township Mayor You Shu-zhen.
According to a press release from the Hualien County branch, only Yeh and You were invited to present their platforms to the committee, and a final decision would be based on their performance. Ho, despite announcing his intention to seek the nomination, was not included, with the party citing his residency and party membership status as the reason.
Ho stated that he personally delivered his declaration of intent to KMT Vice Chairman and Secretary-General Li Qianlong’s office on January 5, expressing his willingness to be subject to public scrutiny and fair competition. “However, without any communication or explanation, the Hualien County branch deliberately excluded me from the established nomination process,” he said. “I deeply regret this and lodge a strong protest.”
Ho argued that as a member of the KMT who meets the legal requirements and has publicly announced his candidacy, he should have the basic right to participate equally in the party’s nomination procedure. He questioned the fairness of the process, suggesting the exclusion reinforces perceptions of the Fu family’s control over Hualien politics.
He further contended that the use of a primary or public opinion poll was intended to allow the public to decide and foster competition, not for a select few to make decisions behind closed doors. Ho believes that setting exclusionary criteria from the outset undermines unity and fuels accusations of predetermination, closed-door dealings, and factional dominance, damaging the party’s image and electoral prospects.
“I do not fear competition, nor do I shy away from scrutiny,” Ho declared. “I am not asking for privilege, but for a system; not a guarantee of victory, but a fair opportunity to participate.” He issued three demands: a clear explanation for his exclusion, reinstatement into the nomination process, and a return to procedural justice, allowing all qualified candidates to be evaluated by public opinion.
Ho emphasized that Hualien should not be considered the private domain of any individual and that the KMT should not be manipulated by a small group. He asserted that upholding the system and respecting public opinion are essential for unity and future success. “I will continue to fight for the party’s democracy and the future of Hualien,” he stated.
Ho pointed to the example of Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng, who was nominated by the KMT in 2022 after completing his party application *after* being selected as the candidate. “Even though my party membership and residency are not in Hualien, how does that violate the KMT’s current regulations for running in public office elections?” he asked.
Ho announced he plans to file a formal complaint with the KMT central nomination committee at 10:00 a.m. on January 9, seeking a fair chance to compete in the election.
