The New Taipei City branch of the Kuomintang (KMT) today announced the results of the primary election in Xizhi District. Besides the incumbent councilor, three candidates—He Yuankai, Tao Weizhong, and Hsiao Jingyan—had registered to run. A three-day public opinion poll for the primary election was conducted from April 13 to 15, and on the morning of April 16, the KMT New Taipei City branch publicly opened and revealed the results. According to the final tally, Hsiao Jingyan emerged as the winner.
However, He Yuankai, accompanied by Legislative Yuan representative Luo Zhiqiang, stated during an interview that Hsiao Jingyan no longer holds any KMT party rights, as he lost eligibility for the primary election immediately upon being suspended. Meanwhile, Kuomintang legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin also published a statement criticizing the Organization and Development Committee and the New Taipei City branch.
In response, Zhang Yaping, chairperson of the KMT's Examination and Discipline Commission, said that Hsiao Jingyan currently indeed has no KMT party rights. He added that Hsiao could only regain eligibility if he successfully appeals in the future or if the party decides to make an exception for someone who is both suspended and unaffiliated. However, Zhang emphasized this matter does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Examination and Discipline Commission. Regarding why Hsiao Jingyan remained included in the internal primary polling despite his suspension, Zhang stated that one should ask the Organization and Development Committee and the New Taipei City branch directly.
New Taipei City branch chairman Huang Zhihong also spoke out, confirming that Hsiao Jingyan won the public opinion poll in Constituency No. 11. However, due to the 20-day appeal period following Hsiao’s suspension, the KMT will re-examine the case. The review may lead to a different outcome. If the suspension decision remains unchanged, it would effectively disqualify Hsiao from being nominated.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862599958276171/
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