Mass rallies held in final stretch

Hsieh will take part in his party’s march in Taitung County, Taichung City and Taipei City, while KMT candidate Ma Ying-jeou will stay in Tainan city and county for the entirety of the KMT march.

National Police Administration Director-General Hou You-yi said yesterday that police are fully prepared to prevent any out-of control situations that might occur during Sunday’s marches.

An official of Taipei City’s Department of Transportation said a total of 33 bus services in the city will make detours, as many roads will be subject to traffic control, including Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office.

The road will be blocked from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a total of 17 bus lines affected, the official said. He called on bus passengers to consult the department’s Web site for detailed information.

Also yesterday, DPP presidential candidate Frank Hsieh yesterday said in a dialogue with some scholars that if he loses the presidential race, he would not participate in any further elections, and that the DPP would lose a very good opportunity for intra-party reforms.

Hsieh continues that if he wins the election, he will also automatically become chairman of the DPP, and therefore in a position to reform the party’s nomination system to allow opportunities for excellent party members to stand out and better serve the party and the people.

Meanwhile, KMT presidential candidate Ma Ying-jeou yesterday actively canvassed votes in townships and cities in Taipei County, the largest election constituency with over 2.6 million voters, and received enthusiastic responses from supporters.

Both wives of Hsieh and Ma also made an all-out effort to solicit votes from supporters. Hsieh’s wife You Fang-chi, accompanied by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu and Lawmaker Kuan Pi-ling, visited the Chi You Evening Market, a famous retail market in the southern port city, receiving hectic responses from supporters.

Ma’s wife Chou Mei-ching, accompanied by Lawmaker Weng Chung-chun’s wife and a Chiayi county councilor of the KMT, visited retail markets in the southern county of Chiayi, warmly received by supporters.

The winner of the March 22 election will replace incumbent President Chen Shui-bian, who is leaving office after the maximum two terms.

Ma’s campaign strategy has essentially focused on reviving the economy, using the same promises of growth and jobs that propelled the KMT to its sweeping victory in January’s parliamentary elections.

Hsieh, whose party leans toward independence, has underlined the island’s sovereignty and identity against rival China.

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