Taipei: Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Lo Chih-chiang on Sunday confirmed his eligibility to run in the party’s chair election next month and announced plans for a nationwide campaign tour.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lo announced on his Facebook page that the KMT headquarters had approved his candidacy. He plans to begin touring Taiwan to share his vision with party members through policy forums and meetings. The KMT is set to elect its new leader on October 18. Current Chairman Eric Chu has announced his intention to step down, while Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen has ruled out running for the position.

Several other individuals have expressed interest in the party chair position, including Sun Yat-sen School President Chang Ya-chung, former Changhua County Magistrate Cho Po-yuan, and former Legislator Cheng Li-wun. Lo’s candidacy had been uncertain due to the requirement for candidates to hold a Central Committee or Central Advisory Committee post. However, Chu’s aides stated on Saturday that Chu will appoint Lo to the advisory committee, enabling his candidacy.

Lo has stated that if elected, he will focus on opposing President Lai Ching-te, addressing what he describes as political persecution, and restoring democracy. He also expressed support for suspended KMT Taipei branch chief Huang Lu Chin-ru, Taiwan People’s Party founder Ko Wen-je, and KMT staff facing legal challenges.

Speculation persists that former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin might enter the race. Although Hau has not officially declared his candidacy, he has recently expressed support for Ko and visited former KMT Chairman Wu Po-hsiung, actions interpreted as potential signs of interest in running for the position.