* With sixteen days left in Taiwan's presidential and legislative elections, the campaign remains a competition between the island's two dominant parties--the ruling DPP and the opposition KMT. Since public opinion polls have been largely discredited by KMT presidential candidate, Han Kuo-yu, it's difficult to know where the candidates stand--with any degree of certainty--with the electorate. Some observers believe Han and the incumbent Tsai Ing-wen are separated by less than 5%, much less than what most polls have indicated. One thing is certain--the race will be tight down to the wire.
* While there had been heightened expectations on a third alternative to the longstanding Blue-Green dichotomy in Taiwan, such hopes were quickly dashed as PFP Chairman James Soong failed to earn the trust and secure the support from the middle-of-the-road voters. Soong came across not as a serious candidate who had been preparing for a 4th run at the presidency. This is why his poll standing has remained in the 6-8% range.
* While Taipei Mayor Ke Wen-je had made it clear that he'll likely launch a presidential challenge in 2024, Foxconn Founder and former Chairman Terry Gou has left the door open but held the cards close to his chest. While Gou has mentioned plans to keep himself active and visible in the public domain, there is no indication that any of the plans are imminent. Besides, without a grassroots organisation throughout the island, it's tough to make himself relevant when the time comes for the 2024 campaign.
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