Taichung:Five opinion polls released since early October reveal contrasting levels of support for Taichung mayoral candidates Ho Hsin-chun of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Johnny Chiang of the Kuomintang (KMT). While four polls place Chiang ahead, the latest survey shows Ho taking the lead.
According to Focus Taiwan, the most recent poll, conducted by the Taipei Trust in Democracy Association and polling expert Tai Li-an, shows Ho with 41.1 percent support compared to Chiang's 30.4 percent, marking the first time Ho has been ahead in this election campaign. In contrast, a poll conducted by Fo Guang University's Center for Public Opinion Research for the KMT caucus of Taichung City Council, released earlier, had Chiang leading with 38.3 percent over Ho's 28.1 percent.
An earlier survey by Shih Hsin University for the same KMT caucus also showed Chiang in the lead with 39.8 percent, compared to Ho's 28.7 percent. Additionally, polls released by Era TV's polling center and the DPP-backed "Trust Taiwan" group in early October both indicated Chiang was ahead by 6 percentage points and 1.9 points, respectively.
These conflicting poll results come ahead of the local elections on November 28, illustrating significant differences in voter preferences captured by recent surveys. Ho responded to the latest poll results by emphasizing the public's demand for change, attributing this sentiment to stalled municipal development and unresolved local issues. She continues to campaign actively across Taichung's 29 districts to gain voter support.
Chiang's campaign office acknowledged the various poll results, stressing that the true measure of public opinion will manifest in the votes cast on election day. The office confirmed Chiang’s commitment to engaging with the community and presenting practical policy proposals.
Incumbent Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen, a KMT member, has commented on the conflicting polls, suggesting they should be used as reference points. In the meantime, Ho has called for a media-hosted mayoral debate, which she claims Chiang has declined. However, Chiang highlighted the official televised policy debate set for November 17, organized by the Taichung City Election Commission, with all candidates agreeing to participate.