The New Taipei District Prosecutors’ Office yesterday indicted New Taipei City council candidate Chang Chao-long (張昭隆) on suspicion of violating election laws by distributing red envelopes and radish cakes to voters.
Chang, a former deputy spokesperson for the New Taipei chapter of the Taiwan People’s Party, is running as an independent candidate for a seat on the New Taipei City Council in the November elections.
Between July 7 and Aug. 5 this year, Chang allegedly visited five community development associations in his electoral district during dinners held for elderly residents, prosecutors said.
Photo: Wang Ting-chuan, Taipei Times
The events took place in Linkou (林口), Wugu (五股) and Taishan (泰山) districts, as well as two other locations, prosecutors said.
During the gatherings, Chang allegedly distributed red envelopes containing US$1 and Hong Kong-style radish cakes valued at NT$120 each, they said.
On Sept. 10, prosecutors, police and investigators conducted searches and summoned Chang and 74 others for questioning. Chang was subsequently detained incommunicado.
Prosecutors said Chang may have violated the Public Officials Election and Recall Act (公職人員選舉罷免法), as the combined value of the red envelopes and radish cakes exceeded what could be considered customary social gifts or campaign materials, potentially constituting an exchange of benefits for votes.
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