Taiwan's "premier" Su Tseng-chang, the top figure in the pro-independence administration of Chen Shui-bian, announced yesterday he would seek his party's nomination for the 2008 "presidential" election.

In a televised speech from the coastal town of Tamshui, the 59-year-old Su appeared with family members and supporters to declare his candidacy.

Su, a former Taipei county magistrate and former secretary-general of the "presidential" office, was named "premier" 13 months ago.

He has managed to avoid the type of financial scandals that have tainted other members of Chen's administration. He has also tried to reduce Taiwan's crime rate and has worked with a politically divided parliament.

"As magistrate, secretary-general and premier, I've been surging forward," Su said in his trademark gravely voice.

"We are standing on a stage to make history, and Tseng-chang is ready for it," Su said in the Taipei suburb of Tamshui. "I report to you that I will participate in the 2008 presidential race."

Taiwan people, he said, "need a trustworthy and upright political figure who gets the job done."

Su is vying for the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) nomination against former Kaohsiung mayor Frank Hsieh and party Chairman Yu Shyi-kun, both of whom announced their candidacies earlier this month.

The 20-year-old ruling party is known for its tough opposition to reunification with the Chinese mainland.

The DPP faces a tough "presidential" election in March 2008 against the opposition Kuomintang, because of a series of scandals in the "presidential" office. Former KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou has announced he would seek that party's nomination for the "presidency."

Chen must step down in 2008 after eight years in office in accordance with the law.

DPP will decide who to back for "president" in mid-May based on a vote of its 260,000 members and a wider opinion poll.

China Daily-Agencies

(China Daily 02/26/2007 page2)