Taiwan ex-leader's son plans election bid

The son of Taiwan's convicted ex-president Chen Shui-bian plans to run for city councillor in a critical election later this year, an aide said Thursday.

Chen Chih-chung, son of former Taiwanese president Chen Shui-bian is seen at the Taipei District Court in October 2009. Chen Chih-chung plans to run for city councillor in a critical election later this year, an aide said Thursday.

Chen Chih-chung, a lawyer, is considering the bid in south Taiwan's Kaohsiung city, a stronghold of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party which his father once led, the aide said.

"Many supporters and friends of the former president hope Chen Chih-chung will run. His parents will back him if he makes the move," said Chiang Chi-ming, a spokesman for the ex-leader.

The December elections of the mayors and councillors in five major cities are seen as a key indicator for the 2012 presidential polls, observers said.

Chen Chih-chung was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on money laundering convictions last year, in a high-profile corruption case that saw his parents both receive life sentences.

He was also indicted for alleged wrongdoing in two high-profile bank mergers which took place as part of financial reforms during his father's two terms in office between 2000 and 2008.

The Chen family are currently appealing the rulings. The appeal process is expected to last several years and is therefore unlikely to interfere with Chen Chih-chung's political ambitions, said Chiang.

The ex-leader has dismissed his conviction as a political vendetta by the China-friendly Kuomintang government for his lifelong push for the island's independence.