Penghu's 2026 race for county magistrate is now a crowded six-way fight after a former Magong mayor joined as an independent, running against both major parties.

• Yeh Chu-lin filed his candidacy on the final registration day, pitching himself as ordinary people against wealthy interests and big business groups.
• His platform runs to nine planks, including cash handouts of NT$10,000 to every resident under a declared "economy year."
• He opposes wind turbine projects on the islands and promises to build a waste incinerator during his term.
• Other planks cover elderly care, emergency medical services, transport links between the islands, fishing industry upgrades, year-round tourism, and youth returning home.
• A rumored seventh entrant, Elitegroup Computer founder Hsu Ming-jen, never showed up to register.

Outlook: With six candidates splitting the vote, Penghu's contest is likely to hinge on whether independents can pull enough support away from the blue and green camps.