Representing the ruling Kuomintang, Chu will face the former Democratic Progressive Party premier in the November ballot. The incumbent’s support has been on the rise since announcing his decision to run for a second term June 24.
According to a poll conducted July 4-8 by The China Times, if the election was held tomorrow, Chu would win 48.7 percent of the vote versus Yu’s 26.6 percent. The remainder is undecided or “did not know.”
In terms of the final winner, Chu was picked by 54.5 percent and Yu 9.7 percent, while 35.8 percent expressed “did not know.”
The poll was carried out using randomly selected phone numbers registered in New Taipei City, with a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error at plus or minus 3.3 percent.
Compared with a similar survey conducted in June, The China Times poll shows that Chu’s edge over Yu grew to 22.1 percent from 18.9 percent.
Chu has vowed to make the metropolis a better place to live and create greater happiness for its residents.
“The challenge to develop a city is no less than managing a country, especially New Taipei City with its huge urban-rural gap,” Chu said. “If re-elected, I pledge to do my best for the people and finish my term.”
Yu, meanwhile, expects to win support building on his achievements and experiences as Yilan County magistrate from 1989 to 1997 and ROC premier 2002-2005. The annual summer event Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival was created during his time in office.
Lin Chih-chia from Taiwan Solidarity Union dropped out of the race in late June after losing opinion polls to Yu.
With both the KMT and DPP campaign platforms finalized, it is expected that Chu will head into the election continuing to enjoy a comfortable lead over Yu. (YHC-JSM)
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