Other candidate hopefuls will have to obtain the application form starting Tuesday next week, sources said. Ma will be the first one to receive it, sources added.

On the same day, sources said, Ma is expected to have a regular party-government “summit” at his office to announce his candidacy.

Participants in that summit meeting are Premier Liu Chao-shiuan, Legislative Yuan president Wang Jin-pyng and Kuomintang chairman Wu Poh-hsiung.

Wu will announce his retirement at the meeting, sources revealed. His current term expires on September 12.

The president doesn't want to run unopposed. So an also-ran will have to be chosen, Kuomintang sources pointed out.

Both Ma and the also-ran must produce enough endorsement for candidacy and Kuomintang members are scheduled to go to the polls to elect their new chairman on July 26.