KMT Legislator Lo Chih-chiang to launch campaign for party chair

Taipei, Sept. 7 (CNA) Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) on Sunday confirmed his eligibility to run in the party's chair election next month and announced plans for a nationwide campaign tour.

On his Facebook page, Lo said the KMT headquarters had approved his candidacy and that he would begin touring Taiwan to share his vision with members through policy forums and meetings.

The KMT will elect its new leader on Oct. 18. Incumbent Chairman Eric Chu (朱立倫) has said he will step down, while Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) has ruled out running.

Others who have expressed interest include Sun Yat-sen School President Chang Ya-chung (張亞中), former Changhua County Magistrate Cho Po-yuan (卓伯源), and former Legislator Cheng Li-wun (鄭麗文).

Lo's eligibility had been in doubt because candidates must hold a Central Committee or Central Advisory Committee post. Chu's aides said Saturday that Chu will soon appoint Lo to the advisory committee, clearing the way for his candidacy.

If elected, Lo vowed to work to oust President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), restore fairness for what he called victims of political persecution, and "bring democracy back on track."

He pledged support for suspended KMT Taipei branch chief Huang Lu Chin-ru (黃呂錦茹), Taiwan People's Party founder Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) and KMT staff facing prosecution.

There has also been speculation that former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) may join the race. Though he has not declared, Hau has recently voiced support for Ko and visited former KMT Chairman Wu Po-hsiung (吳伯雄), moves seen as signaling interest.