A serial independent candidate has kicked off Taiwan's 2026 local election registration, making his sixth run for office — a colorful sideshow to a race shaped by an opposition alliance.

• Huang Hung-cheng, who campaigns under a self-styled "God of Wealth President" title, was first in line to register for Chiayi City mayor.
• He staked out his spot by leaving a chair outside the election commission office days before registration opened.
• His platform is "anti-bullying, seeking justice," and he is urging voters to abandon the KMT-TPP joint candidate Chang Chi-kai and back him instead.
• He has lost all five previous runs, for county chief, legislator, and mayor, since 2014.
• He says a "pay your debts" notice was stuck on his door just before he filed, and plans to report it to police as possible election interference.

Outlook: Registration continues this week, and the real contest in Chiayi City will hinge on whether the opposition alliance holds.