An independent backed by an opposition alliance has become the first person to register for the Chiayi County magistrate race, setting up a challenge to 25 years of unbroken one-party rule there.

• Puzi Mayor Wu Pin-jui filed her candidacy papers as the "opposition grand alliance" pick, running with no party label.
• She was escorted by KMT and independent local mayors, councillors and a former legislator, showing broad opposition backing.
• Her pitch is simple: give Chiayi voters an alternative and finally break a quarter-century without a change in power.
• She admits she lacks big party and government resources, framing herself as the underdog choice.

Outlook: More candidates will register in the coming days, and the race will test whether a loose opposition alliance can unseat the long-ruling side in a traditionally green-leaning county.