The United Daily News reported on Oct. 28 that KMT Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang and DPP challenger Tung Tzu-wei will hold their first online livestreamed debate at noon on Nov. 10. The two camps had traded conflicting accounts over an earlier Nov. 4 date before settling the schedule.
According to the United Daily News, the two candidates agreed through the Convergence News program Noon Convergence to hold the first online livestreamed debate at noon on Nov. 10, hosted by Huang Kuang-chin. The format and content will be announced after further confirmation. Hsieh proposed a public debate on the program on Oct. 21.
광고 문의 · 300×250Before the deal, the camps spent days trading accusations. Hsieh's side said Tung had agreed to a Nov. 4 program debate and then backed out. Tung's side denied this, said Hsieh's team never coordinated the time or format, and demanded evidence of any reversal.
The candidates' positions
Hsieh wants major city issues, especially the Keelung MRT, debated in public so voters can compare concrete plans. He said the mayoralty should turn on a candidate's own policies rather than others' influence, and asked whether Tung was leaning on the profile of Shen Po-yang.
Tung said he has put forward livelihood policies for the past year, including elder care, childcare support, youth employment, commuting and bus services. He said he has prepared for the debate and accused Hsieh's camp of spreading falsehoods. The paper said he agreed quickly after Hsieh raised the idea on air.
With about a month before the vote, this will be the first face-to-face policy contest between the two. The format, speaking time and topics have not been announced, and we will follow up when details emerge.