Taiwan's opposition KMT admits voter interest in the November 28 local elections is running cold, a warning sign for a party trying to hold its 15 city and county governments.

• Party chair Cheng Li-wun has told the KMT not to get complacent even where it leads, since low turnout — especially among young voters — is the main threat.
• Large rallies start in October, with the first regional event set for Changhua, alongside party-anniversary events and campaign office openings.
• Races in Yilan, Hsinchu County, Changhua, Chiayi City and New Taipei are tight, mostly because of trouble uniting local factions or strong opponents.
• Local organizers say campaign schedules are unusually light for this point in the year, which they fear will keep supporters home on election day.
• The buzz around DPP Taipei candidate Puma Shen is seen as a mixed blessing: it warms up the race but may scare KMT voters into showing up.

Outlook: Expect a heavier rally calendar from October onward as the KMT courts young voters and tries to keep its alliance with the smaller TPP from fracturing further.