New Taipei Village Chief Candidate Charged in Vote-Buying Investigation

Taipei: A village chief candidate in New Taipei was released on NT$100,000 (US$3,145) bail and barred from leaving the country as prosecutors investigate allegations of vote-buying through the distribution of free haircuts and douhua. According to Focus Taiwan, the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office issued a statement revealing that the candidate, surnamed Chen, organized an event offering free haircuts in Taishan District to commemorate Taiwan's Father's Day on August 8. Chen is also accused of providing local residents with free bowls of douhua, valued at approximately NT$50 each, in an effort to sway their votes. Authorities, led by prosecutor Fang Yu-ting and the New Taipei Police Department's Criminal Investigation Corps, conducted a search of Chen's home on Monday. Chen and 10 other individuals were summoned for questioning as part of the investigation. After the questioning, prosecutors concluded that Chen likely breached the vote-buying provisions outlined in the Public Officials Election and R ecall Act. Consequently, they decided to release him on NT$100,000 bail and imposed a travel ban. In Taiwan, electoral candidates often distribute low-cost promotional items, such as pocket tissues and water bottles, each valued under NT$30, to voters. However, Legispedia, a legal information website, notes that while the NT$30 figure is commonly referenced, it is not explicitly mentioned in Taiwan's election laws. Instead, it serves as a guideline for prosecutors when determining whether to initiate legal proceedings. Taiwan's local elections, including the selection of mayors, county chiefs, city and county councilors, township mayors and councilors, and village chiefs, are set for November 28.