2026 ELECTIONS/DPP, KMT candidates for Kaohsiung mayor ramp up campaigns

Kaohsiung, Oct. 1 (CNA) Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Lai Jui-lung (賴瑞隆) on Thursday released his first campaign video, while his Kuomintang (KMT) opponent Ko Chih-en (柯志恩) visited traditional markets in the southern port city.

In the 100-second campaign video, Lai, currently a member of the Legislative Yuan, plays multiple roles, including a white-haired character called "Grandpa Lung-Lung," and talks with citizens from all walks of life.

According to his campaign office, Lai hopes to convey that mayoral candidates should not only listen to the problems of potential supporters but also provide concrete solutions.

Meanwhile, Ko visited the Gangshan Fish Market early Thursday before visiting vegetable markets in Gangshan.

After vendors told Ko that they hoped the markets could be equipped with higher-quality canopies, the KMT lawmaker promised to do her best to provide a safer working environment.

Taiwan's 2026 local elections will be held on Nov. 28.

The elections are also known as the "9-in-1" elections because voters in Taiwan's 22 cities and counties will cast ballots for candidates vying for nine different local government posts, including city mayors, county magistrates, and city and county councilors.

Also up for grabs are seats for township chiefs and chiefs of Indigenous districts in municipalities, township councilors and Indigenous councilors in municipalities, and ward chiefs. In total, elections will be held for 11,051 officials at all levels of local government.