Taiwan Candidates Distribute Free Swag to Win Voters Ahead of Local Elections

As Taiwan prepares for the November 28 local elections, candidates for mayoral and county magistrate posts in Taipei, Changhua County and Tainan are distributing extensive campaign merchandise. Taipei’s incumbent KMT mayor Chiang Wan-an’s team offers items such as tote bags, caps, insulated bags, water bottles, NFC keychains that link to a theme song, and more, while DPP challenger Puma Shen provides T-shirts, caps, tote bags, handkerchiefs and plush mascots.

In Changhua, DPP candidate Chen Su-yueh and several council hopefuls hand out tote bags, cellphone stands, tissues and even scouring sponges, while KMT rival Wei Ping-cheng supplies masks, wet wipes and UV arm sleeves made at his family’s factory. Independent candidates Chiu Chien-fu and Chen Chung-chia also distribute pens, fans, socks and masks, highlighting personal branding. In Tainan, DPP mayoral hopeful Chen Ting-fei sells teddy bears themed on local culture, whereas KMT opponent Hsieh Lung-chie distributes handheld fans and tissue packets printed with policy points. All candidates hope the swag will increase name recognition and motivate supporters to vote.