Taiwan's two main opposition parties said on Saturday that they have not yet agreed on a joint candidate for Taiwan's presidential election in January. The parties said they will continue consultations.

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

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

Party officials said their joint candidate would be announced on Saturday after experts analyzed various public opinion polls.

However, the parties were not able to reach a consensus and postponed the announcement.

The two sides reportedly disagreed over how to interpret polling data.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has chosen Taiwan Vice President Lai Ching-te to compete in the presidential race.

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

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

The registration of candidates will begin on Monday.