Taiwan's local election season is heating up in Yilan County, where the race for Luodong township chief is shaping up as a tight fight between the two main parties.

• The DPP's candidate, former deputy county magistrate Huang Shih-chao, launched his campaign with five pledges centred on reviving the local economy.
• He is running against KMT-nominated county councillor Chen Hung-hsi, and both sides are seen as evenly matched.
• The current chief Wu Chiu-ling finishes a second term at the end of the year, leaving the seat open.
• Huang Shih-chao argues Luodong has stagnated for over a decade and can be transformed by big infrastructure projects — elevated rail, a high-speed rail extension into Yilan, and a second county government centre.
• His platform covers market redevelopment, walkable streets, shopping districts, city aesthetics, elderly and all-ages care, and flood control.

Outlook: Expect a close, economy-focused contest in Luodong through the year-end local elections, with infrastructure delivery the main battleground.