Taiwan's “9-in-1” local elections on November 29

l  Including city mayors, county magistrates, council seats, township administrators, town representatives, borough chiefs, district leaders, village heads, and village liaisons, Taiwan will hold the first-ever “9-in-1” elections on November 29. With approximately over 18 million eligible voters, turnout is expected in the 65-75% range, weather permitting. Roughly 11,130 officials, in 22 cities and counties, will be popularly elected on that day.

l  Mayoral elections at the six Direct Municipalities—Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan and Kaohsiung—have attracted the most attention. Currently the KMT has four of the six seats, but ruling party is struggling in Taipei and Taichung. The results from these two races will determine which party—KMT or DPP—wins the yearend contest.