This research aims to test the “clientelism” and “human network” hypotheses that have long been debated in the field.The findings indicate that “human network” approach is more powerful than “clientelism” approach in explaining the transformation of local factions. The local factions in Chung-ho City are principally based on members from the same families or clans. Party competition and power turnover has limited impact on the strong ties of the network. Even though there has been intense party competition in Taipei County, the three major local factions with close human networks in Chung-Ho City still dominates its local politics.
