Over now to the opposition. KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party shared a stage on Tuesday at an Yilan temple ceremony. The two camps have been inching closer to a joint presidential ticket, with a meeting of the candidates planned to hash out the details. But at the temple event on Tuesday, there was clear friction between their supporters, who shouted slogans to make their feelings known.
A day after his meeting with KMT Chair Eric Chu, the TPP’s Ko Wen-je shared a stage with Hou Yu-ih at Yilan’s Jietien Temple.
Despite Ko’s presence, KMT supporters shouted “Hou Yu-ih for president” more than once.
Ko Wen-je
Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate
It’s a great honor to celebrate the arrival of Jietien Temple’s Xuanwu deity more than 200 years ago. Of course, I pray for favorable weather and peace for our nation. I wish all the distinguished guests here good health, happiness, and peace.
Ko kept his speech brief at less than 30 seconds. After taking the microphone, Hou held forth at length, drawing a backlash from Ko’s supporters.
When they began to chant Ko’s name, Ko gestured for restraint. Media asked Hou if he thought Ko’s supporters were being rude.
Hou Yu-ih
KMT presidential candidate
It’s common for two friends to run into each other by chance. But as for the three of us meeting formally, I hope that happens as soon as possible, because all of our supporters are very, very anxious. Very soon, we will need to make clear to our supporters what the KMT-TPP alliance will entail.
The ball is rolling on high-level talks between the KMT and TPP, although their grassroots supporters remain firmly at odds. For both candidates, the true test will be convincing their bases to accept a joint ticket.
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