Taipei mayor, Shen to hold first TV debate on Oct. 31

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and his challenger, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋), yesterday agreed to hold their first televised debate on Oct. 31.

The debate is to be held from 12pm to 2pm at the TVBS studio, cohosts TVBS and SET News said in a joint statement following a meeting attended by representatives of both campaigns.

The format would include opening statements, cross-examination between the candidates, questions from the media and closing statements, the hosts said.

DPP Legislator Rosalia Wu (吳思瑤), campaign manager for Shen, said the two sides had differing views on the date and time, although Shen’s campaign remains flexible.

KMT Legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強), representing Chiang, said that Chiang’s campaign is open to holding more debates and has accepted invitations from other media outlets.

The debate date coincides with this year’s Taipei Pride march, which is scheduled to begin at 2:05pm at Taipei City Hall Square and pass through the commercial area in Taipei’s eastern district, following a rally starting at noon.

Wu said Shen is to take part in the march, while Lo said Chiang would also join the event, as both have done in previous years.