Taiwan's opposition alliance in Hsinchu County has collapsed, a setback for the KMT and a likely boost for the ruling DPP with 81 days left before local elections.

• The Taiwan People's Party has forbidden its members from appearing at campaign events for KMT candidate Hsu Hsin-ying, saying she broke the trust behind their joint deal.
• The split leaves the opposition vote divided in Hsinchu County, widely seen as helping DPP candidate Cheng Chao-fang.
• The DPP is staying above the fight, saying only that honesty is the most basic test of any politician.
• The party also launched a youth volunteer campaign team, sending 150 young supporters to 60 local rallies and campaign events nationwide.

Outlook: Expect more pressure on the KMT and TPP to patch up their alliance before voting day, or risk splitting the anti-DPP vote in close local races.