DPP calls for public support in its campaign against vote buying

Taipei, Dec. 8 (CNA) The campaign office of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential front-runner Lai Ching-te (賴清德) held a press conference Thursday at which it called on the public to support its campaign against vote buying.

The event was led by Lai's campaign manager Pan Men-an (潘孟安) and several party lawmakers, as well as Kuo Yu-ching (郭昱晴), a DPP legislator-at-large nominee.

Over time vote-buying methods have evolved, Pan said, expressing hope that people will become more aware of the issue as Taiwanese head to the polls on Jan. 13, 2024.

Relying only on the government to combat election bribery will not be enough, he said, while calling for members of the public to report cases of vote buying, which can carry a reward of up to NT$20 million (US$636,952).

Wu Cheng (吳崢), a DPP legislative candidate for New Taipei, echoed Pan's call for the public to contribute more to efforts against vote buying.

It is hoped that all candidates, regardless of party affiliation or constituency, will be elected transparently without any interference, Wu said.

Huang Ti-ying (黃帝穎), who is a member of the DPP's legal team for the 2024 elections, said the public can record their evidence of vote buying via audio or video, and send the information to the authorities for a reward should accusations be corroborated.

During the event, Pan also revealed that Kuo has been invited to serve as the DPP's ambassador against election bribery.

The 53-year-old legislator-at-large nominee is a Taiwanese actress who starred in the popular Taiwanese TV series "Spicy Teacher" in the 2000s.

In addition to the common forms of vote-buying in the past, Kuo indicated that the methods China uses to interfere in Taiwan's elections have changed, such as the offering of gifts and providing free overseas travel.

The interference carried out by China has also reached into school campuses, she said, without providing details to back up her claims.

Kuo called on the public to say no to vote-buying and ensure Taiwan's elections are free and fair.