Taiwan High Court judges yesterday sentenced Taipei City Councilor Tsai Kun-lung (蔡坤龍) to four years and six months in jail for vote buying during his successful 2006 election campaign.
In addition, Tsai’s father Tsai Chung-chi (蔡重吉) received the same sentence, while the duo were deprived of their civil rights for three years.
The two defendants can appeal the verdict. But as of press time they had still not decided whether to do so.
“Tsai Kun-lung and Tsai Chung-chi bribed voters by giving away gift boxes of whiskey and wine, while holding several free dinners during Tsai Kun-lung’s campaign during the 2006 Taipei City councilor’s election,” the verdict read.
Tsai Chung-chi owns a liquor and wine importing company.
In addition to helping Tsai Kun-lung’s campaign, Tsai Chung-chi also asked his son’s vote captain Kuo Chi-chuan (郭吉川) to plan free dinners for supporters during the 2006 Moon Festival, with the aim of securing more votes for him.
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