33 violations reported during recall votes: Police agency

Taipei, July 26 (CNA) A total of 33 violations had been reported as of 4 p.m. Saturday when polls after a day of voting in recall elections around Taiwan, the National Police Agency (NPA) said.

Of the cases, 15 involved taking pictures of ballots or bringing mobile phones or other recording devices into voting booths.

Another 11 people tore up, revealed, or tried to remove their ballots, while seven were caught campaigning, the agency said.

One case of ballot destruction occurred around 1 p.m. at a polling station at Taipei Municipal Renai Elementary School, when a man surnamed Chen (陳) tore up his ballot after realizing he had marked it incorrectly.

Poll workers reported the incident soon afterward, and Chen was taken to a police station for questioning. He faces possible punishment for allegedly violating the Public Officials Election and Recall Act.

The NPA also reported 18 minor cases, including public disturbances and other violations.