Zhang Binglin
The party's most important figures were Li Yuanhung, Zhang Jian, and Wu Tingfang. On the establishment day, Zhang Jian chaired as the provisional chairman. Li Yuanhung, Zhang Jian, Zhang Binglin, Wu Tingfang, and Borjigit were elected the first directors (理事). After its headquarters was moved to Beijing, Li Yuanhung was elected chairman at the general meeting. As the Republican Party supported President Yuan Shikai, he aided it in gaining a substantial number of seats in the Beijing Provisional Government's first, unelected senate and the new provincial assemblies. This resulted in a stalemate between the Kuomintang and the Republican Party, weakening the provisional senate and strengthening President Yuan's own position.