Kaohsiung Mayoral Election Polls: Chen Chi-mai Says Institutional Effect Is Normal

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Tsai Meng-yu, Kaohsiung, June 15) Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai said today that it is normal for institutional effects to exist when three public opinion polls are released within a week. Ultimately, whether people vote—combining public support and voting motivation—determines election results. Even high poll numbers are meaningless if voter turnout is low.

According to an article by scholar Chuang Wen-chung on the Ministry of Education's Media Literacy Education Resource website, the purpose of a survey influences questionnaire design and respondent selection. If the funding individual or organization has a clear political stance, the published poll results may contain bias. This type of discrepancy is known as the 'house effect,' where respondents may choose whether to express their true opinions based on perceived political alignment.

Chen made the remarks while attending the award ceremony for the '2026 Sustainable Kaohsiung: Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge' in Kaohsiung, during a joint media interview. He said polls serve as references for citizens and candidates to identify and strengthen weak areas. As candidates' poll numbers fluctuate, each side tends to interpret results favorably. Instead, candidates should focus on improving their weaker aspects, which is more beneficial in the long run.

He added that polls are often accompanied by commentary, leading to varied interpretations. Sometimes, strategic statements are made in response. For candidates, polls should guide strategy adjustments—applicable not only to Lai Jui-long of the Democratic Progressive Party but also to Ko Chih-en of the Kuomintang.

Chen emphasized that elections are complex and lengthy competitions. Candidates shouldn't feel discouraged for three days just because a poll is unfavorable. Election processes may face disruptions, so polls should be used as ongoing reference points for self-evaluation.

The '2026 Sustainable Kaohsiung: Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge' was co-hosted by the Kaohsiung City Government Youth Bureau and the ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation. Chen Chi-mai, Presidential Advisor Shen Jong-chin, and ASE Environmental Sustainability Foundation Executive Director Wang Tu-tsun attended the award ceremony. (Editor: Lee Ming-tsung) 1150615