Kaohsiung's next local election is taking shape, with four people running for mayor and a crowded field for the city council — a sign of a competitive race ahead for Taiwan's main parties.

• Four candidates have signed up for mayor: Lai Jui-lung for the DPP, Ko Chih-en for the KMT, plus an independent and a Judicial Reform Party contender.
• 90 people have registered across the city's 15 council districts, with registration closing this evening.
• The Cianjhen-Siaogang district is the most crowded, drawing 13 candidates for seven seats.
• Two districts still have no challenger at all, with sitting members running unopposed so far.

Outlook: The final field will be locked in once registration closes tonight, setting up a DPP-versus-KMT contest for the mayor's office.