Taipei, Taiwan – Former Kuomintang (KMT) legislator Li Yi-ting died unexpectedly on February 20, 2026, at the age of 71. The news has prompted an outpouring of condolences from across Taiwan’s political landscape.
According to friends close to Li, he was found deceased in his home this morning, with initial assessments pointing to a possible cardiac event. The sudden passing of the veteran politician has surprised many, as reports indicate he had no previously known health issues.
Li Yi-ting, born in Houlong Township, Miaoli County, dedicated much of his life to public service, beginning with roles in the Houlong Township Office, including positions as a secretary and department head. He also held leadership positions in agricultural organizations, serving as the General Manager of the Miaoli County Agricultural Association, Chairman of the Republic of China Agricultural Training Association, and Chairman of the Miaoli County Table Tennis Association.
His political career gained momentum in 2008 when he was elected as a legislator representing Miaoli County’s first electoral district. That election was notably preceded by a unique method of determining the KMT nomination: a coin toss with fellow candidate Kang Shih-ju before the image of Mazu, the revered sea goddess. As reported by Yahoo News Taiwan, the two candidates agreed that the first to achieve three consecutive “holy cups” – a favorable reading from the divination blocks – would secure the nomination, a contest Li ultimately won.
Li’s time in the legislature was cut short when his election was invalidated by a court ruling related to campaign finance issues. Following his departure from the Legislative Yuan, he served as Chairman of the Miaoli Meat Market Corporation and later as the head of the Miaoli County Government’s Agriculture Department. He also briefly served as acting mayor of Sanwan Township although the former mayor was under investigation for corruption.
The former legislator was known for his deep roots in Miaoli County and his extensive network of contacts. His passing marks a significant loss for the local political scene, and underscores the close ties between Taiwanese politics and traditional religious practices. The Liberty Times reported that many in the region expressed shock and sadness at the news of his death.
ETtoday News also covered the story, highlighting the unusual method by which he secured his party’s nomination in 2008.
