Taiwan ruling party nominates sanctioned lawmaker for Taipei mayoral race

Wednesday 13 May 2026 - 09:15

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has officially nominated lawmaker Puma Shen as its candidate for the upcoming Taipei mayoral election, marking a significant political move ahead of key local polls.

The decision comes in a sensitive geopolitical context, as China has previously imposed sanctions on Shen, accusing him of supporting separatist positions. The nomination highlights ongoing tensions between Taipei and Beijing over Taiwan’s political status.

Shen’s candidacy will be tested in the November local elections, where voters will choose mayors and county leaders across the island. Although these elections focus on local governance issues, they are widely seen as an indicator of public support for political parties ahead of Taiwan’s next presidential election in 2028.

In the capital city, current Mayor Chiang Wan-an of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) is expected to be Shen’s main competitor. Early opinion polls suggest a competitive race, with Chiang considered a strong contender for re-election.

Taiwanese President and DPP chairman Lai Ching-te described Shen as a highly capable candidate with strong experience and understanding of Taiwan’s democratic development. He emphasized that Taiwan’s transition from authoritarian rule to democracy remains a key part of the nation’s political identity.

Lai also stated that Taiwan continues to face significant challenges from external influence, particularly from China, including issues related to misinformation and cognitive warfare. He stressed the importance of strengthening societal resilience and protecting democratic institutions.

Political analysts note that the Taipei mayoral race will be closely watched internationally, as it reflects both domestic political dynamics and broader cross-strait relations between Taiwan and China.