The situation escalated on May 10 when Zeng Liyan, a member of the Blue Camp, publicly cheered for Lai Ruilong, a Green Camp candidate. The scene left everyone stunned, and the tension immediately became uncontrollable. Social media quickly caught fire, with many Blue Camp supporters expressing outrage and confusion. Rumors circulated that Zeng might be defecting, fueling further speculation.
Recent internal issues within the Blue Camp had been simmering beneath the surface. Following the Zeng Liyan incident, Ke Zhien attempted to regain control. She released a group photo with Lu Xiuyan and Zeng Liyan late that night, projecting unity. However, netizens were skeptical, with comments questioning whether this was merely a surface-level attempt to paper over deep divisions. With the election in Kaohsiung already unfavorable, this incident only made things worse.
Zeng Liyan quickly issued an apology online, claiming her remarks were casual and not intended to support the Green Camp. She also posted a photo of herself with Ke Zhien and Lu Xiuyan. But the explanation fell flat. Given the public nature of her actions, many remained unconvinced.
The internal friction continued. The Zeng incident brought scrutiny to Ji Lianlian, with Zhao Shaokang criticizing him sharply. By May 11, Xu Qiaoxin provided context, clarifying that Ji had been misrepresented—revealing that the real issue was mutual infighting among allies. It was a moment that left observers wondering whether the Blue Camp was focused on elections or internal warfare.
Ke Zhien’s own campaign strategy has been puzzling. After winning the nomination in Kaohsiung, she has spent more time aligning with Lu Xiuyan than engaging with local voters or building a grassroots network. This has led many to view her as a “parachute” candidate, lacking genuine connection to the community.
The overall low morale in the Blue Camp can be traced partly to Ke Zhien’s leadership style. During the recent “special budget” dispute, she appeared to follow the crowd without taking decisive action. This has eroded voter confidence across both Blue and White camps. The result is a fractured coalition where minor disagreements spiral into public controversies.
The internal strife shows no signs of abating. Zeng Liyan sparked the drama, but Ke Zhien, Lu Xiuyan, and Ji Lianlian have all been drawn into the fray. The party seems to be spinning out of control, with well-intentioned remarks twisted into weapons by rival factions. Voters are increasingly seeing through the chaos.
