Election Schedule Overlap Sparks Controversy: Li Sichuan Calls Tactics Unfair, Su Chiou-hui Advocates for Gentlemanly Contest

Central News Agency Report

(Central News Agency reporter Wang Hung-kuo, New Taipei, June 14) The tightly packed mayoral election schedule in New Taipei City has sparked controversy over candidates from the Blue and Green camps attending the same events to gain visibility. Li Sichuan stated that tracking and filming are unethical, saying elections should not resemble paparazzi operations. Su Chiou-hui responded that she had been invited in advance, noting that overlapping campaign schedules are common, and expressed hope for a gentlemanly contest.

With candidates’ calendars fully booked, concerns have arisen from both the Pan-Blue and Pan-Green camps about opponents 'piggybacking' on each other’s events for publicity. Today, amid their individual schedules, Kuomintang (KMT) New Taipei mayoral candidate Li Sichuan and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Su Chiou-hui both attended the Xinzhuang Dizang Temple’s Wenwu Dazhongye Birthday Procession Ceremony, arriving at different times.

Earlier, while attending an event hosted by the Taiwan New Residents Party, Li Sichuan addressed a joint media briefing. He was asked about KMT New Taipei City council candidate Deng Kai-hsun’s criticism accusing Su of acting like a fan, 'chasing after Uncle Chuan.'

Li responded, 'Elections must be conducted fairly and openly. After entering the race, my opponent has used flanking tactics—first smearing me, then doxxing my family and neighbors, and now even sending people to follow and film me. I believe these are not honorable actions. We should be electing based on policy platforms, not paparazzi tactics.'

Su Chiou-hui, speaking to reporters at the temple, said that overlapping schedules are common in election campaigns, and each candidate should present their platforms independently. 'A gentlemanly contest is what voters want to see in a new-era leader,' she said. Regarding the Yunlin Township Association event in Sanchong, New Taipei, on June 6, she clarified that she had received the invitation on May 12 and confirmed her attendance.

'Our scheduling respects the host organizers, so each participant has their designated time slot, and the organizers ensured I had time on stage to present my platform,' Su explained. 'On June 6, I not only delivered a speech but was also accompanied by both the founding and newly elected chairmen during the toast rounds. I was delighted to attend and hope everyone enjoyed the event.'

This morning, Li Sichuan attended the inauguration of the Taiwan New Residents Party’s New Taipei City branch in Xinzhuang. Reflecting on his own background, he said, 'As someone who moved north from Xiaoliuqiu in Pingtung, I deeply empathize with the challenges new residents face adapting to life here. No matter where we come from, once we settle in New Taipei, we are all family.'

He pledged that, if elected mayor, he would implement concrete policies based on empathy for migrants, as well as for indigenous peoples, Hakka communities, and senior citizens, ensuring all groups can live and thrive in New Taipei regardless of ethnicity.

Meanwhile, Su Chiou-hui attended a forum hosted by DPP New Taipei councilor candidate Chang Wei-chien in Zhonghe this morning. Over a thousand attendees gathered, chanting slogans like 'New Taipei will win!' and 'Qiaohui, number one!' During the media briefing, she also outlined her policy vision for new residents.

'I want everyone in New Taipei and Taiwan—across all ethnicities and cultures—to feel, ‘I belong here. I am accepted, recognized, and I love this place. I can live here with peace of mind,’' Su said. 'I look forward to building a New Taipei where people of all backgrounds and ages can live securely and happily.' (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150614

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