Taiwan's main opposition party is ordering its lawmakers out onto the campaign trail for November's local elections, a sign the KMT sees the race as tight and high-stakes.

• New KMT chair Cheng Li-wun asked the party's legislators to campaign and speak at rallies across the island ahead of the November 28 local vote.
• She called the contest unfair and told the party to stay united, while also holding the line on the budget fight in the legislature.
• The goal is to hold on to the party's strong showing in the last local elections and add to it.
• A good result this year is meant to set up the legislative elections next year and a return to power in 2028.

Outlook: Expect KMT lawmakers to split their time between Taipei budget battles and local campaign stops over the next two months.