Preliminary Analysis of the Tainan City Council Election – 4 Candidates Vie for 2 Seats in District 7 with Overlapping Voter Bases; 3 Compete for 1 Seat in District 8 Where Nansi is the Key

In Tainan City Council’s District 7 (Danei, Shanshang, Xinhua), four candidates are competing for two seats: independent Yang Dengshan, independent Lin Quanzhong, DPP’s Lin Zhicong, and KMT’s Wu Deqiang. Yang Dengshan and Lin Quanzhong are incumbent councilors. Aside from Yang, the other three are all from Xinhua, resulting in high voter base overlap and an anticipated fierce competition.

Among the four in District 7, only Yang Dengshan is from Danei Township and has been re-elected for four consecutive terms, with a solid foundation and stable voter support.

The factional dynamics within Danei will also test the candidates’ ability to attract votes. Historically, Danei’s votes were mainly split between Yang Dengshan and DPP’s Chen Yongkuan. With Chen not running this time, the loyal deep-green votes may be taken up by DPP nominee Lin Zhicong, but the light-green votes could be dispersed among other candidates.

Additionally, Lin Quanzhong, who received the highest number of votes in the previous election, has long served in Xinhua and his strength should not be underestimated. But this time he faces Wu Deqiang, nominated by the KMT. Wu is making the leap from council speaker to councilor. Both have long worked in Xinhua, and it is widely believed that their service areas and voter bases overlap significantly, making a tough battle inevitable.

In District 8 (Nansi, Nanhua, Yujing, Zuozhen), the race features independent Ye Zhicheng, DPP’s Wang Juntan, and KMT’s Jiang Zhongxiang — all from Yujing. It’s a three-way fight for one seat, making the competition extremely intense. Observers say the vote count from Nansi Township will be crucial; whoever secures a higher share there is likely to win.

Ye Zhicheng, who has served two consecutive terms as Yujing Township mayor, is known for his grassroots engagement. This time, running as an independent after leaving the KMT, he is expected to attract a significant portion of former KMT votes.

However, Jiang Zhongxiang, a two-term former councilor, enjoys the backing of the KMT’s political resources. With the overall “blue camp stronger than green” trend in mountainous regions, he still stands a good chance.

Meanwhile, Wang Juntan, also a two-term former councilor, is making a comeback this time with the DPP’s nomination and is expected to secure the solid support of DPP backers.