Former Taiwan People's Party lawmaker Li Chen-hsiu has jumped into the race for mayor of Zhubei, a move rivals are treating politely while questioning whether she is even legally eligible to run.

• Li, a China-born former legislator, announced her run suddenly and laid out five policy themes, saying the decision was not made on a whim.
• Whether she can legally stand is still unsettled and rests with Taiwan's Central Election Commission.
• KMT candidate Wu Hsu-chih said anyone willing to serve Zhubei deserves respect, and pointed to eight years of local work on transit, schools, and family services.
• The DPP's candidate welcomed her entry but pressed her to produce full legal proof on dual citizenship, household registration, and eligibility to hold public office.
• The TPP's own candidate, Chiu Chen-yuan, sidestepped the drama and said he will keep pushing practical plans for the city.

Outlook: The election regulator's ruling on Li's eligibility will decide whether this becomes a four-way race or a short-lived campaign.