On the KMT side, President Ma Ying-jeou is expected to make his re-election bid official next week. And a series of campaign activities in central and southern Taiwan have already been arranged for Ma in the coming weeks, representing an eager attempt to boost the ruling party's sagging voter support in the region.

President Ma Ying-jeou plans to sign up to be the candidate in the KMT's presidential primary next week, for his re-election bid in 2012.

Before announcing the plan, his campaign operatives have started working hard, arranging out-of-town visits starting this Sunday, with the first proprities set in Central and Southern Taiwan.

Besides, the KMT plans to advance the national congress to June in Taichung, a sign to indicate its determination to win Central Taiwan in the legislative and presidential elections.

Central

While the national congress may be able to boost the party's morale, the president needs to meet local people frequently to understand their voice, which would give his campaign a much-needed boost.