As Taiwan's upcoming election draws near, the focus extends beyond strained relations with China, encompassing a spectrum of contentious issues in a vibrant display of the island's democratic process. The presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for January 13 hold the key to Taiwan's approach to Beijing, but the discourse goes beyond the geopolitical realm.

One prominent topic in the spotlight is the childhood home of Lai Ching-te, the frontrunner from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), located in an old coal mining area north of Taipei. The opposition questions whether the property was illegally expanded. Lai, denying any wrongdoing, has pledged to transform the house, mockingly termed "Lai's rascally shack," into a miners' museum, acknowledging the concerns of villagers in mining areas.

Property ownership has become a contentious issue for all presidential candidates. The Kuomintang (KMT) candidate, Hou Yu-ih, faces criticism for profiting from rented apartments owned by his wife, while Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People's Party (TPP) is scrutinized for co-owning farmland illegally converted into a parking lot. These controversies highlight common problems in Taiwan, where regulations are sometimes vague or unenforced.

Appealing to the younger demographic, which comprises an estimated 1 million new voters, is a shared focus for all three parties. Ko emphasizes issues like the high cost of housing, gaining traction among young voters. However, the TPP faces criticism for being out of touch, with Ko's running mate, Cynthia Wu, drawing attention for her family's major stake in the Shin Kong Group conglomerate.

The campaign took an unexpected turn when Wu's comments about drinking Johnnie Walker at a vice presidential debate sparked controversy. The remark was seized upon by opponents, questioning the party's connection with ordinary people. In response, Wu defended the comment, stating that Sarsaparilla, beer, guava juice, and Johnnie Walker were culturally significant for the Chinese, emphasizing that it was not a matter to fuss over.