Taiwan's ruling DPP is going on the offensive in three key northern and central cities ahead of the year-end local elections, betting that unhappiness with sitting KMT mayors will carry it to wins.

• Registration for the year-end nine-in-one local elections has closed, and the DPP has picked Taipei, New Taipei and Taichung as its main battlegrounds.
• Puma Shen runs in Taipei, Su Chiao-hui in New Taipei and Ho Hsin-chun in Taichung, with the party hoping momentum in these cities lifts its results nationwide.
• Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an is the most talked-about politician in Taiwan, but most of that talk is negative after a run of city problems — a rat infestation, flooding, a child abuse case and more.
• The DPP thinks the opposition KMT–TPP alliance is fraying, with both party leaders busy managing their own internal fights, so joint support may not turn into actual votes.
• In Taichung, the DPP plans to attack eight years of KMT rule as all show and no substance.

Outlook: Expect an intense three-month campaign built on media attacks, rallies and campaign office launches, with Taipei the fight everyone watches.