New Taipei City Councilor Yang Chun-mei has been granted bail for NT$500,000 following allegations of vote-buying ahead of the upcoming local elections. Prosecutors claim the four-term Kuomintang official distributed laundry detergent and various household items to voters at community centers to influence their support. Authorities conducted searches at Yang's residence and office, discovering significant quantities of goods intended for distribution. Following the interrogation of 21 individuals, including Yang and two of her assistants, the New Taipei District Prosecutors' Office initiated legal proceedings. Both the councilor and one assistant are currently prohibited from leaving the country as investigations continue. Under the Public Officials Election And Recall Act, the case centers on whether these gifts constitute improper benefits intended to sway electoral outcomes. This incident marks the first instance of a New Taipei councilor facing such accusations during the current election cycle.
Source : Focus Taiwan
