Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te travelled to Nantou to campaign for Wen Shih-cheng, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for county magistrate, unveiling an expanded package of welfare benefits for the elderly — a boon for older residents and local voters, and a sign that the campaign season for county and city leaders is now under way.

• Lai offered incense at Ching Fu Temple in Nantou City and Heng Chi Temple in Puli, seeking to boost support for Wen Shih-cheng along with several candidates for township and city mayor and for the county council.
• The headline pledge is free dentures for the county's elderly residents, at a value of NT$80,000 per set, along with an increase in the senior citizens' card allowance from NT$1,000 to NT$1,800 per month.
• He also promised to launch a mobile hospital service, sending medical vehicles directly into communities so residents no longer have to travel long distances for care.
• The pitch also stressed clean government, with Lai saying that once Wen Shih-cheng is elected, organised crime and business conglomerates will leave the county government, allowing it to focus on serving the public.
• On the environment and industry, the emphasis was on protecting Nantou's landscapes and waters and its tea industry, together with a multi-pronged plan for waste disposal.

Outlook: With local races heating up, campaigns on all sides are expected to keep raising the stakes on welfare pledges for the elderly and on healthcare in the fight for votes.