A new independent poll shows the DPP's Su Chiao-hui narrowly leading KMT rival Li Si-chuan in the New Taipei mayor's race, a small but symbolic boost for the DPP.

• Su edged past Li in the latest third-party poll, with the two separated by well under a point.
• Her campaign played it cool, saying it never mocks rivals when ahead or attacks pollsters when behind.
• The team framed the trend across polls as voters wanting a mayor who gets things done and brings fresh energy.
• The race remains effectively a dead heat, so neither side can claim a real lead yet.

Outlook: Expect more dueling polls and tight numbers as both camps push into the campaign's next phase.