Taiwan opposition on edge as tycoon Terry Gou expected to make presidential bid decision

Polling suggests if Gou throws his hat into the ring, it will be beneficial to DPP front runner William Lai

Gou’s vow to bring peace to the island is a strong indication that he will join the presidential race, analysts say

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Terry Gou could cause an upset among the Taiwanese opposition parties if he decides to enter the presidential race. Photo: CNA

Published: 6:00am, 5 Aug 2023Updated: 5:33pm, 5 Aug 2023

All eyes are on Taiwanese billionaire Terry Gou to see if he will announce his bid to run for president after he returns from a visit to the United States – a move certain to cause problems for the main opposition camp in the crucial January election.

But whether it would mean a clear win for front runner William Lai Ching-te, candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), remains to be seen, with analysts saying that with five months still to go until the vote, it is too early to tell.

Gou failed earlier this year to win the nomination for the main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), but speculation that he could still run has continued.

The Foxconn founder has been extremely active in the past two months, visiting various parts of Taiwan, attending campaign rallies for local politicians, and making speeches and statements about his vision for the future of Taiwan and the well-being of the Taiwanese people.

Even after the KMT confirmed in late July it would not change its decision to nominate New Taipei mayor Hou Yu-ih as its presidential candidate despite his relatively poor showing in the race, there have been no signs of Gou giving up his bid.

“In my visit this time, I will meet with experts and think tank scholars … to seek their views on how to keep Taiwan away from war and preserve peace permanently,” Gou said on July 30 before leaving for the US on a 10-day trip. He is due back on August 9.

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Taiwan's opposition Kuomintang taps New Taipei City mayor Hou Yu-ih as presidential candidate

Taiwan opposition on edge as tycoon Terry Gou expected to make presidential bid decision

Polling suggests if Gou throws his hat into the ring, it will be beneficial to DPP front runner William Lai Gou’s vow to bring peace to the island is a strong indication that he will join the presidential race, analysts say

Polling suggests if Gou throws his hat into the ring, it will be beneficial to DPP front runner William Lai

Gou’s vow to bring peace to the island is a strong indication that he will join the presidential race, analysts say