Massive turnout at Ko Wen-je’s pre-election night rally: 350,000 on-site, 320,000 online

TAIWAN, TAIPEI: In a stirring pre-election night rally at Ketagalan Boulevard, Taiwan People’s Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je captivated a large crowd, marking his grand entrance around 9:15 PM from Jingfu Gate to the stage.

Ko, 64, emphatically stated that the Taiwan People’s Party, not relying on traditional political mobilization, is showcasing the strength of Taiwanese people to the world. He urged supporters to use their votes to prove that Taiwan is not just about the traditional blue and green (referring to the Kuomintang and Democratic Progressive Party), and that change and a better future for the country are indeed possible. In a heartfelt address, Ko said, “As long as you don’t give up, I won’t give up; I am right here with you.” The event’s hosts announced an impressive attendance of 350,000 on-site and 320,000 online.

Ko’s appearance at Ketagalan Boulevard, a significant political venue, was supported by his wife Chen Pei-chi, his parents, and his sister Ko Mei-lan. Wu Hsin-ying’s mother, Hsu Hsien-hsien, also appeared in strong support.

Ko reflected on the last time he stood at Ketagalan Boulevard, during the 2013 Hung Chung-chiu incident. He noted that despite government changes over the past decade, the authorities remain distant from the people. Promises of humility, transparency, rejection of corruption, and the realization of fairness and justice have not been fulfilled.

Ko emphasized that standing there again was a call to reclaim the nation and build a society based on fairness, justice, and democracy, breaking through the blue-green divide.

“With your vote, prove that Taiwan is more than just blue and green,” Ko stated, asserting that this election would prove the Taiwan People’s Party as a mainstream force capable of changing the nation’s future.

He called on everyone to vote actively in these critical moments to end the blue-green divide and enable long-term national planning and the realization of ideals.

Ko remarked that in Taiwan’s 30 years of democracy, the need has shifted from identifying problems to solving them. He reaffirmed his commitment to Taiwan’s autonomy, peace across the Taiwan Strait, and consolidating peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Domestically, his focus is on sustainable environment, upgrading the power grid, accelerating energy transition, increasing healthcare spending, implementing housing justice, building social housing, and supporting rent subsidies to create an inclusive society. He also emphasized ensuring industrial upgrades to provide hopeful futures for the youth.

Reiterating his commitment, Ko emphasized, “As long as you don’t give up, I won’t give up.” He encouraged young voters to return home to vote, emphasizing that their future is in their hands.

Ko observed that during his campaign travels from north to south, it became evident that Taiwan is not just about the traditional blue and green political divide or ideology. People are yearning for change, and only public opinion can make that change a reality. He praised the miracle of sustaining the campaign through small donations without traditional political mobilization, showing the world the power of Taiwanese people’s desire for change.

The Taiwan People’s Party, a centre-left political party established on 6 August 2019, by Ko Wen-je, offers an alternative to the long-standing Democratic Progressive Party and Kuomintang.

Ko’s fresh approach to politics and lack of traditional political baggage has resonated with many voters, particularly those who have not participated in past elections, finding in him a compelling reason to vote.