Urges Public to Reject Vote-Buying and Protect Democracy to Earn Rewards!

As the "Nine-in-One" local elections scheduled for November 28, 2026, begin to warm up, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office is taking proactive steps to ensure a clean electoral environment. Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-Shi recently visited Gala Radio, Cheng Sheng Broadcasting (Chiayi Station), and the Police Broadcasting Service (Tainan Station) for exclusive interviews. During these programs, Chief Prosecutor Tsai explained the pitfalls of vote-buying in accessible terms, calling on citizens to demonstrate high democratic standards, foster a clean political environment, and courageously report bribery to claim rewards.

Clarifying the "Red Line" for Gifts: Promotional Items vs. Bribes

Chief Prosecutor Tsai noted that while Taiwan’s decades of democratic experience have significantly improved the electoral culture, a minority still attempt to influence elections through illicit means. Addressing common public concerns, he clearly defined the boundaries:

• Lawful Campaigning: Candidates distributing low-value promotional items such as tissues, hats, or fans printed with slogans are engaging in normal competitive behavior.

• Suspected Bribery: Giving higher-value items—such as a carton of cigarettes, a bottle of liquor, or gift sets—is highly likely to constitute vote-buying.

• Be Vigilant of Unusual Sponsorships: For routine events held annually by village heads, community associations, or pilgrimage groups, any "sudden increase in sponsorship" from candidates due to the election should be treated with extreme caution to avoid legal violations.

Cracking Down on "Ghost Populations": Criminal Liability for Fraudulent Residency

Because local election districts are small, a few votes can sway the results. Chief Prosecutor Tsai issued a specific reminder regarding "ghost populations"—referring to the act of moving friends' or relatives' household registrations into a district without "actual residency" to influence the vote. This constitutes a criminal offense, and citizens are urged not to risk breaking the law.

Reporting to Protect Democracy: Rewards Up to NT$5 Million with Absolute Confidentiality

"Effective investigation is the best form of anti-bribery promotion!" Chief Prosecutor Tsai urged anyone with information on vote-buying to call the reporting hotline: 0800-024-099 (press 4 after connecting). The Prosecutors Office guarantees absolute confidentiality for informants and offers a substantial reward system:

• County Magistrates / City Mayors: Rewards up to NT$5 million.

• Councilors / Township Mayors: Rewards up to NT$2 million.

• Village Heads / Township Representatives / Campaign Brokers: Rewards of NT$500,000.

Rewards are distributed in staged payments: one-quarter (1/4) is paid upon indictment, another quarter (1/4) after a guilty verdict in the first or second instance, and the remainder once the guilty verdict is finalized. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office looks forward to working with the public to identify the "black sheep" and safeguard a clean electoral process.