James Soong announces presidential bid

Focus Taiwan
Date: 2015/08/06
By: Lu Hsin-hui and Jay Chen

Taipei, Aug. 6 (CNA) James Soong (宋楚瑜), chairman of Taiwan’s minority People First Party (PFP), announced Thursday that he will stand in the presidential election to be held next January.

Soong, 73, made the announcement as Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), candidate of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), appears to enjoy a healthy lead over the Kuomintang’s Hung Hsiu-chu (洪秀柱) in the race to succeed President Ma Ying-jeou, who will step down next May after two four-year terms.

Observers say that Soong is likely to attract some voters who would otherwise vote for Tsai or Hung in the Jan. 16 election. He could also win the support of those who do not like either of the major candidates.     [FULL  STORY]