Taiwan's KMT Kicks Off Presidential Primary

The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) in Taiwan on Monday began its week-long primary to choose a presidential candidate for next year's election.

There are five hopefuls in the race. They are Eric Chu, former mayor of New Taipei City; Foxconn founder Terry Gou; Han Kuo-yu, mayor of Kaohsiung; Chou Hsi-wei, former magistrate of Taipei County; and Chang Ya-chung, president of the Sun Yat-sen School.

An island-wide public opinion poll is being held, involving thousands of respondents.

KMT chairman Wu Den-yih said it is the largest and most crucial survey of public opinion in the party's history. He called on party members to work together to ensure a successful primary process.

A winning candidate is expected to be named next Monday and will go up against incumbent president Tsai Ing-wen of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Taiwan will hold its next presidential election on January 11 next year.