The Democratic Progressive Party is becoming more and more active as it tries to shore up grassroots' support. DPP Deputy Secretary-General Hsu Chia-ching recently said while appearing on a program that once the election registration deadline passes on Sept. 1, the party would go full force on discipline. Hsu specifically named Taipei City Department of Civil Affairs Commissioner Lan Shih-tsong and said if he stumps for Ko Wen-je, he would either be forced to withdraw from the party or be expelled from the party. Lan says he feels helpless at the possibility of being disciplined by the party.


Taipei City Department of Civil Affairs Commissioner Lan Shih-tsong and Taipei City Mayor Ko Wen-je attend a groundbreaking ceremony for Guangci Boai Park. Democratic Progressive Party officials recently said if Lan continues to support Ko over the party's own candidate for Taipei City mayor, he would either be forced to withdraw or be expelled from the party.

I love the DPP, so I will not willingly withdraw from the party. A person can't just hang on to a candidate. I don't think this is something I can do. If I already support [a candidate], I can't just turn around and support someone else. I am not willing (to withdraw from the party), but it's not up to me.

In response, Lan said he will not jump ship just because of the threat and disciplinary measures from the DPP can't erase public opinion. He also said there is nothing he can do if the DPP wants to punish him.

Politics don't have to be like this. Sometimes, Taiwan -- we should think about how things have done for the last 20 years, where no matter what someone does, you never say anything against them because you're in the same party.

Asked if he feels bad for Lan, Ko said Lan's focus has always been on his job and he can't shut himself in his office just because there are elections going on. DPP Taipei City mayor candidate Pasuya Yao, meanwhile, said Lan once said during a meeting he would stump for Ko and this is a conflict of interest.

The DPP had a uniform policy nationwide through nominations. Disciplinary action against members doesn't only apply in Taipei. Any party member anywhere in the country faces disciplinary action if he violates the party's election policies or fails to toe the party line.

Yao, who is lagging far behind his opponents in public opinion polls, also said he respects the party's "rhythm."