With the KMT primaries for legislative seats just around the corner, some party members have recently proposed a new regulation that would prevent those holding public offices from being nominated before they serve out half of their terms. But the proposal was immediately met with strong opposition from some city councilors.

In March 2007, a group of Changhua County councilors and township chiefs disrupted a KMT Central Standing Committee meeting to protest a proposed primary nomination amendment that would restrict elected officials from registering for another election if they hadn't yet served out half their terms.

During the party's legislative primary nominations three years ago, legislators in favor of the "50% clause" were accused of trying to eliminate their competition.

According to Yang Chao, the clause is aimed at forcing elected officials to serve out their terms, rather than helping elected officials keep their positions.

The stipulation, which has the support of a certain percentage of legislators and committee members, will likely be resubmitted at next week's KMT Central Standing Committee meeting.

Newly-elected Taipei City Councilor Chin Huei-chu, who reportedly has her sights set on a legislative seat, recently voiced opposition to the clause.

As the nomination process will kick off after Chinese New Year, competition is heating up.