Taiwan's KMT chair Cheng Li-wun is pushing a joint opposition ticket in Chiayi ahead of the November local elections, a boost for the smaller TPP but a test of whether the blue-white alliance can hold.

• The KMT is backing TPP candidate Chang Chi-kai for Chiayi City mayor instead of running its own.
• It is also standing aside for independent Wu Pin-jui, the current Puzi mayor, in the Chiayi County race.
• Chiayi has long been hard ground for the KMT, so the party is betting that unity is the only way to win.
• Wu started her campaign late but is being pitched as a fresh face who can catch up.

Outlook: The alliance faces its real test at the ballot box on 28 November, and a win in Chiayi would be a signal that blue-white cooperation can work elsewhere.