By-election for Yunlin legislative seat heating up

Lee Ying-yuan from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party has resigned as deputy magistrate of the southern county in order to run in the by-election.

He faces competition from his DPP fellow, Liu Chien-kuo, a member of the county's council who had filed the lawsuit that cost Chang Sho-wen's legislative seat.

The KMT has seen one of its members in the Yunlin County Council, Li Chien-chih, declare his bid.

But KMT Secretary General Wu Den-yih said yesterday the party would not rule out naming Hsu Shu-po, head of its Yunlin chapter, for the race.

Hsu did not respond to Wu's remarks.

The Taiwan High Court Tuesday returned a final verdict, annulling Chang's victory in the 2007 legislative election.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) will have to hold a by-election for the seat in three months.

The outgoing Yunlin deputy magistrate yesterday visited several DPP councilors and local leaders looking for support.

He also prayed at a temple, vowing to embark on a four-day bicycle tour around the county to solicit voters' backing for his bid.

His fellow contender, Liu, had described his bid as "incredible" and asked him to stay on in the administrative post. but Lee called for unity within the main opposition party.

He described Liu as a young and talented person who would have many opportunities lying ahead of him.

Lee has been a member of the national Legislature and a secretary general of the Cabinet.

He said since the winner in the by-election will only serve about two years in the Legislature, his experience would allow him to "start work immediately."

Liu, claiming credit for the legal victory that ousted Chang, said he is determined to run in the by-election to continue his "unfinished battle."

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