Ko holds concert; Lien backers flood Ketagalan

By Amy Chyan ,The China Post
November 29, 2014, 12:03 am TWN

Ko said he thinks that the power of love is enormous and long lasting, with greater potential than hatred. He added that he hopes love will drive his election momentum.
Ko had said, “Taiwan is a rational and peaceful society” and he hoped that the remaining election events would also peaceful, so in that spirit his campaign organized a concert rather than a traditional campaign rally. Ko said he wanted his supporters to enjoy a night of music to maintain their happy mood. He welcomed families, children and even pets to enjoy an evening full of gratitude, peace and joy.

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Insisting on a low-key atmosphere for his last campaign rally, independent Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je (柯文哲) held a concert yesterday called “One City, One Family” in front of his campaign headquarters.

The band that composed Ko's campaign theme song, along with other musicians, were invited to perform at the concert. Ko's family also attended the event to show their support.

Lien's Last Campaign Rally

Sean Lien, the Kuomintang's (KMT) Taipei mayoral candidate, held his last campaign rally on Ketagalan Boulevard yesterday night called “Taipei victorious, Taiwan wins” (台北勝，台灣贏).

The rally's impressive guest list was full of KMT heavyweights, including R.O.C. President and KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九), KMT Honorary Chairman Wu Po-hsiung (吳伯雄), former Vice President Vincent Siew (蕭萬長), Legislative Yuan Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (王金平), current Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌), Chiang Pin-kun (江丙坤) and KMT Legislator Ting Shou-chung (丁守中).

Hon Hai Group (鴻海集團) Chairman Terry Gou (郭台銘) was scheduled to deliver a speech about Taipei's economy at the rally, but he cancelled due to engagements in mainland China.

Lien said he is very thankful to Ma and his family for their support, guidance and encouragement.

The Chinese character “victorious” in the rally's title is a word play, using a character from Lien's Chinese name.

Before the campaign rally, Lien continued to “sweep the streets” and stopped in Daan District and Wenshan District to greet supporters. Lien said he has become more optimistic and confident with the election situation.

Yu Hosts Campaign Event without Permit

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) New Taipei City mayoral candidate Yu Shyi-kun (游錫堃) held his last campaign rally yesterday despite the local government having not approved any venue permits.

Reports have said that Yu and his team applied for permits multiple times. Yu said he has followed permit application protocols as set out in the law.

Former DPP Chairman Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) openly criticized Yu's opponent and current New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu (朱立倫) for misusing his power to block Yu's campaign events. Su said this shows how Chu is ungraceful, intolerant and is abusing his powers as a government official.

Chu responded by saying that in the last days of campaigning, he hopes everything can remain sensible and peaceful. It is crucial that candidates abide by the law, Chu said, as an example for the next election and to improve upon Taiwan's democracy.