Parties draw lots for placement on Taiwan's presidential ballot

Taipei, Dec. 11 (CNA) The order in which candidates will be listed on Taiwan's presidential ballot in January was decided Monday, when representatives of the three main political parties drew lots for the positions, in a lottery conducted by the Central Election Commission (CEC).

Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) and his running mate Wu Hsin-ying (吳欣盈) secured the top position on the ballot, the CEC said after the draw was completed.

Lai Ching-te (賴清德) and Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party drew the second position, while Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) and Jaw Shau-kong (趙少康) of the main opposition Kuomintang placed third, according to the CEC.

Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections will be held on Jan. 13, 2024, when some 19.5 million voters are expected head to the polls.

As the campaign period heats up, the three presidential candidates will face off in a televised debate hosted by Public Television Service (PTS) on Dec. 30 at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, the vice presidential candidates are expected to take part in a similar live debate on Jan. 1 at 2 p.m., pending the TPP's confirmation of Wu's participation.

In addition to the debates, the presidential candidates are scheduled to present their policies on live television in three consecutive broadcasts -- on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m., Dec. 26 at 2 p.m., and Dec. 28 at 7 p.m., according to the CEC.

The vice presidential candidates will give a similar presentation on Dec. 22 at 7 p.m., the CEC said.