Legislature eases candidacy restrictions for some offenders

Taipei, June 12 (CNA) The Legislative Yuan on Friday passed amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act allowing individuals who receive suspended sentences or those eligible to perform community service in lieu of imprisonment to run for office.

The bill, backed by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), passed by a vote of 57-48.

Under the revised rules, individuals convicted of offenses other than major crimes involving national security, corruption, organized crime, narcotics or money laundering will still be unable to run for office if they have been sentenced to imprisonment and not completed their sentences.

However, those given suspended sentences or allowed to perform community service in lieu of imprisonment will no longer be subject to that restriction.

Lawmakers also approved a separate amendment barring individuals convicted under the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act from registering as candidates.

The changes proved controversial amid accusations from ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers that they could benefit specific individuals.

Much of the debate centered on Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安), who was sentenced by a second-instance court to six months in prison for forgery in a case stemming from allegations that she falsely claimed legislative assistant expenses.

DPP lawmakers argued that the amendment could affect the former TPP member's eligibility to run in this year's local elections, an allegation rejected by opposition lawmakers.

During floor debate, DPP lawmaker Lee Po-yi (李柏毅) said laws should not be amended for the benefit of particular individuals.

If lawmakers believe the changes are necessary, he said, they should take effect after Sept. 4 -- the deadline for registering to participate in the Nov. 28 local elections -- or at the start of next year, rather than immediately.

KMT lawmaker Weng Hsiao-ling (翁曉玲) said the amendment struck a balance between safeguarding political integrity and protecting citizens' right to seek public office.

She argued that barring individuals convicted of minor or negligent offenses from running would violate the principle of proportionality.

TPP lawmaker Hsu Chung-hsin (許忠信) said the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to vote and stand for election, adding that restrictions already imposed through criminal sentencing should not be further expanded through election laws.