Interest in Kaohsiung's city council election has hit a low, with fewer people signing up to run than at any point since the city and county merged — a sign of a settled political map rather than a contested one.

• Only 101 candidates registered for 65 council seats, down from 128 last time and the fewest since the merger.
• The two big parties dominate: the DPP has 35 candidates and the KMT 36, with 26 independents and just a handful from smaller parties.
• Southern Taiwan rewards long-term local groundwork, leaving little room for third parties or candidates who campaign mainly through media.
• The KMT's own bench is thin, blamed on baggage from the national party and a cautious primary system that discourages young local hopefuls.
• Both parties nominated conservatively this cycle, and neither fielded a marquee mayoral candidate to draw enthusiasm down the ballot.

Outlook: Expect a quiet campaign in Kaohsiung with the DPP holding its grip and small parties squeezed further out.