The KMT's Taichung city branch has expelled two members who registered to run for city councillor on their own after failing to win the party's nomination — bad news for anyone hoping to bypass the internal nomination process.

• Chang Shu-hua, a former deputy director of the Taichung branch, and Chou Chi-yang, a member with no prior political background, registered as candidates for the 2026 Taichung city council elections; the disciplinary committee unanimously resolved to revoke both men's party memberships.
• Five other members quit the party of their own accord before registering to run, among them Cheng Po-chi, who was also stripped of his status as a party delegate. The entire case has been referred to party headquarters for approval.
• One member switched to a DPP membership to run for village chief, a matter left for the next disciplinary committee meeting; members who campaign for those running in breach of party rules will first be given a warning, with penalties only for repeat offences.
• The Taichung branch has nominated a total of 34 city council candidates, with the aim of maximising the KMT's seats in the city council.

Outlook: with the local election campaign entering the stage of consolidating nominations, internal dissent and candidacies by those who leave the party may continue to split the KMT's vote in Taichung.