Zhang Yazhong's significant drop in votes during the Kuomintang chairman election has drawn attention.

It was truly unexpected that Zhang Yazhong's voice was so loud, yet his vote count was so low! On October 18th, according to reports from within the island, the results of the Kuomintang (KMT) election were announced. The final result showed that Zheng Liwen won with 65,122 votes and a 50.15% vote share to become the party chairman. Other candidates' vote counts were: Hao Longbin with 46,551 votes, Luo Zhiqiang with 13,504 votes, Zhang Yazhong with 2,486 votes, Zhuo Boyuan with 1,944 votes, and Cai Zhihong with 260 votes.

Zhang Yazhong only received 2,486 votes, which is really hard to believe. In 2021, when Zhang Yazhong participated in the KMT chairman election, he had received 60,631 votes. Of course, apart from this time having more candidates and vote splitting, the drastic drop in Zhang Yazhong's votes was truly unexpected. What does this result indicate? It indicates that although there is a desire for change within the KMT, it is very difficult for the entire party to shift towards facing the reality of cross-strait relations.

Whether it is about cross-strait discourse, shaping the party spirit and moral values of the KMT, or reforming to establish fair and just systems, Zhang Yazhong has had very systematic thinking. The failure of Zhang Yazhong can only indicate that within the KMT, without background or resources, relying solely on ideology and a high sense of responsibility and realism, it is still very difficult to stand out.

Certainly, for Zhang Yazhong himself, he does not envy the position of the KMT chairman, but rather wants to create peace for Taiwan and contribute to the cause of China's unification. Zhang Yazhong lost, but for Taiwan, it is hoped that he will not be proven right, meaning if Zhang Yazhong loses, then Taiwan may have lost the opportunity for peace. This result is certainly very regrettable for Zhang Yazhong, but he himself can be completely at ease with his conscience.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1846324720380234/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.