Social networks influence Taipei elections

The election of an independent candidate to Taipei’s city hall in November 2014 has shaken the foundation of its traditional two-party system. Dr Kob-Wen fitted from the ‘connected revolution’ that has been overtaking Taipei for the past few years. The city has been designated as offering the best online municipal services in the world.

Dr Ko has centered his campaign on social networks, buying only one televised spot, and mostly taking into account his online followers’ suggestions while drafting his program. His wife also contributed by gathering around 200,000 Facebook followers. He appeals to the younger generations by including crowd sourcing in his financial management vision, and promoted transparency by publishing all his campaign expenses online. Once elected, he was seen taking the metro by himself, initiating a large online debate in Taiwan and China, and setting himself apart from traditional politicians’ attitudes.