TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — DPP Legislator Chen Ting-fei (陳亭妃) is expected to meet DPP Tainan City Council Speaker Chiu Li-li (邱莉莉) on Tuesday to discuss post-primary consolidation following a contentious mayoral nomination race.

Chen defeated fellow DPP Legislator Lin Chun-hsien (林俊憲) in the party’s Tainan mayoral primary, per China Times. Lin had the backing of Chiu and most DPP-leaning lawmakers and city councilors. During the campaign, Lin’s supporters launched sustained attacks on Chen, accusing her of repeatedly betraying the party for personal political gain.

The pro-Lin faction plans to hold talks led by Chiu to discuss preparations for the local elections. Negotiations are expected to focus on campaign strategy for city council races and lingering concerns over Chen’s loyalty to the party.

A DPP insider in southern Taiwan described the primary as a contest between the party’s grassroots base and its leadership, per Mirror Media. The source noted that Lin secured endorsements from several party heavyweights as well as most elected DPP officials in Tainan.

After securing the nomination, Chen personally called Lin and contacted all DPP city councilors in an effort to unify the party, per FTV. She emphasized the importance of winning in Tainan to build momentum for the DPP ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

KMT mayoral candidate Hsieh Lung-chieh (謝龍介) also weighed in, saying the aggressive attacks from Lin’s camp could complicate post-primary unity, per NOWMedia. Recent reactions among Tainan DPP lawmakers appear to support that view, with only DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu (王定宇) publicly congratulating Chen.

DPP lawmaker Lai Hui-yuan (賴惠員) voiced skepticism, suggesting that while Lin enjoyed support from the DPP base, Chen benefited from backing among Hsieh’s supporters, per Tai Sounds. Lai said Chen should clearly explain her position to DPP voters.

Lai further argued that Chen’s support from the KMT and non-aligned councilors raises questions about whether she can adequately address the needs of DPP councilors. She said that with Chen’s allegiance “in flux,” it is understandable that some city councilors remain wary.

A DPP city councilor said that because Chen has her own preferred council candidates in each district, most councilors neither expect nor require her to make appearances at their campaign rallies. However, the councilor acknowledged that, as the party’s mayoral nominee, cooperation is necessary and said the extent of that cooperation will be discussed.