TAIPEI: Failure to keep supporters passionate about the ruling Kuomintang (KMT) is mainly to blame for the party's humiliating defeat in the three legislative by-elections held last weekend, according to a draft report prepared by the party's Organization Committee.

An outcry has been mounting for thorough self-reflection after the party lost in the three legislative by-elections in the counties of Taoyuan, Taichung and Taitung, in norther, central and eastern Taiwan respectively, and many party members have expressed worry that there might be a domino effect in future elections if the party fails to take effective measures for an immediate redress.

The report was reviewed at a meeting held later in the day and attended by high-ranking party officials and chiefs of the party branches in the three counties.

KMT spokesman Lee Chien-jung said after the meeting that the draft report stressed an urgent need to find the reasons behind supporters' low turnout so that remedial measures can be taken.

KMT Chairman Ma Ying-jeou said the report should be revised with special emphasis on the party's determination to "honestly face and learn lessons from the defeat, insist on reform and march forward."

The final report will be published if it is adopted by the KMT's Central Standing Committee at its the weekly meeting today.

China Daily/CNA

(HK Edition 01/13/2010 page2)