Taiwan's local elections are shaping up badly for the opposition KMT, which is splitting apart while the ruling DPP closes ranks.

• The KMT has failed to agree on candidates in Hsinchu County, Zhubei, and Changhua, with infighting spilling into public view.
• KMT chair Cheng Li-wun is pushing her own picks against local power brokers, and Changhua's own KMT county chief openly disagrees with her.
• President Lai Ching-te is playing peacemaker for the DPP, and party supporters see the unity as a real boost to their chances.
• The KMT's attempt to team up with the smaller TPP has turned into open fighting between the two instead.
• DPP Changhua candidate Chen Su-yueh is running on a local record and a positive message while the blue camp trades blows.

Outlook: With 80 days left, the DPP looks set to gain from a divided opposition unless the KMT and TPP patch things up fast.