Taiwan's year-end local elections moved into gear as candidate registration opened in Taichung, with the DPP's Tsai Ing-wen-aligned faction making a show of unity on day one.

• Eight DPP city council candidates from the "Ing" faction registered together in Taichung, escorted by the local party chief.
• They campaigned on slogans tying their faction's brand to a change of mayor and a "new generation" for the city.
• Heavyweight backers including lawmakers Wang Shih-chien and Chuang Ruei-shiung plan to stump for them, and former president Tsai Ing-wen is expected to help nationwide when her schedule allows.
• Their pitch leans on attacking the outgoing Lu administration's eight-year record, citing the African swine fever scare and a tainted cooking oil case.
• The candidates span districts across Taichung, mixing sitting councilors with first-time runners.

Outlook: Expect more coordinated group registrations and a steady stream of national party figures campaigning in Taichung as the vote nears.