Eric Chu runs for chance to lead Taiwan's KMT

Taipei, Aug. 2 (CNA) Former New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu (朱立倫) on Monday announced his bid to run for chairman of Taiwan's main opposition party Kuomintang (KMT), a position he had held from 2015 to 2016.

The former KMT chairman made the announcement via a post on his Facebook page under the title of "Change brings hope, regaining leadership brings about change."

In the post, he wrote: "Given the plight facing the KMT, as a member of the party, I feel duty-bound (to help tackle its plight) and officially announce that I will join the race for the KMT chairmanship."

According to Chu, once he is elected the KMT chairman, he will form a work panel to prepare for the 2022 local elections and will select the strongest candidate to represent the party in the 2024 presidential race, with the aim of allowing the KMT to return to power.

Chu also said that in face of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's chaotic governance, he will integrate and present the achievements of the 14 local governments ruled by the KMT to demonstrate the party's governing capacity.

Incumbent KMT Chairman Johnny Chiang (江啟臣), meanwhile, has announced he will seek re-election of the KMT chairmanship scheduled for Sept. 25.

Chu's announcement to throw his hat in the ring for KMT chairmanship is expected to pose the greatest challenge for Chiang's re-election bid.

The KMT chairmanship election was originally scheduled for July 24 but was postponed by the party due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan.

In addition to Chu and Chiang, three other KMT members have expressed their intention to join the KMT chairmanship race -- Chang Ya-chung (張亞中), president of the NGO Sun Yat-sen School; Wei Po-tao (韋伯韜), former head of the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics; and former Changhua County Magistrate Cho Po-yuan (卓伯源).

According to media reports, former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜), and Sean Lien (連勝文), son of former Vice President Lien Chan (連戰), also have interest in running for the KMT chairmanship.