TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Former TPP Chair Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) on Thursday advised current Chair Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) to set clear rules for cooperation with the KMT ahead of the 2026 elections.
Ko said Huang must negotiate explicit guidelines with KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文) on how joint opposition candidates will be selected, warning that vague rules could create openings for the KMT to “play tricks like in 2024.” He added that the rules may ultimately favor one side, but clarity is crucial, per ETtoday.
Asked whether he planned to meet Cheng, Ko said the meeting would happen “when the time is ripe,” but added that Huang, as party chair, should take the lead in such discussions.
Cheng, during the KMT leadership debate, argued that the party should fully support TPP candidates who emerge as the strongest contenders in opposition coalition nominations, per UDN. After meeting Huang, she warned that KMT members who defy coalition nomination agreements would be punished under party rules, per China Times.
A KMT insider said Yilan, Hsinchu, New Taipei, and Chiayi have been earmarked for opposition coordination, per Tai Sounds. If Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安) is able to run, the KMT would refrain from fielding its own candidate, the insider said. All other municipalities would go through the joint nomination process.
In Yilan, the TPP has nominated former Legislator Chen Wan-hui (陳琬惠). KMT Legislator Wu Tsung-hsien (吳宗憲), who previously signaled interest in running for county magistrate, said the KMT would determine how to coordinate once it selects its own nominee, per CNA.
Former Legislator Kuo Cheng-liang (郭正亮) warned that the coalition’s biggest challenge may be the TPP’s relatively low name recognition in some areas, per Storm Media. He raised doubts about whether the party can secure coalition nominations, adding that New Taipei is unlikely to be conceded by the KMT.
However, a TPP insider argued that allowing Huang to run as the coalition’s New Taipei candidate is the party’s bottom line, per FTNN. Only New Taipei carries enough strategic weight for the TPP’s future, the insider said, warning that the party may withdraw from the coalition if it does not secure the nomination.
The insider urged Cheng to consider that she may ultimately need to give way to the TPP in New Taipei.
In the interview, Ko also discussed how he could continue contributing to the TPP, saying he might move south to assist candidates there, per Storm Media. Huang urged Ko to focus on preparing for his upcoming oral arguments.
Ko responded by criticizing the court for refusing to allow a live broadcast of the proceedings.
