Election officials in Taiwan will accept applications from presidential candidates from Monday through Friday.

Talks between two opposition parties on fielding a unified candidate for the January race remain stalled.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has chosen Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te to compete in the race. He intends to work with the United States, Japan, and other nations to counter pressure from China.

The largest opposition Kuomintang Party has picked the mayor of New Taipei City, Hou Yu-ih, as its candidate.
The party stresses the need to boost exchanges with China. The second-largest opposition Taiwan People's Party has put forward former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je.

Opinion polls place Lai as the frontrunner, with Hou and Ko competing for second place.

In a bid to increase the chances of a change in government, the two opposition parties agreed on Wednesday that either Hou or Ko would run as their unified presidential candidate.

However, the parties were not able to reach a consensus and canceled the announcement that had been scheduled for Saturday.

In addition, Ko expresses no sign of compromise. He said on Sunday he would continue to fight till the end as the TPP's presidential candidate.

The founder of Hon Hai Precision Industry, Terry Gou, has also qualified to run as an independent.