Two Kuomintang heavyweights yesterday expressed their intention to run for the party chairmanship in next month's by-election to succeed Ma Ying-jeou, who resigned last month following corruption charges.

Contrary to speculation that former chairman Lien Chan might stage a comeback, only acting chairman Wu Poh-hsiung and senior legislator Hung Hsiu-chu picked up registration forms yesterday. No more forms will be available from today.

Formal registration will begin on March 18 and the by-election will be held on April 7. Mr Wu and Ms Hung will have 10 days to campaign, from March 28. Mr Wu is widely expected to win.