To prepare for the investigation work for the 2026 Local Public Officials Elections and ensure the fairness, impartiality, and peace of the electoral process, Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-Shi of the Taiwan Chiayi District Prosecutors Office yesterday (20th) led a key anti-vote-buying team, including Head Prosecutor Chiang Chin-hsing, Head Prosecutor Chen Ching-hui, Prosecutor Yeh Mei-ching, and Prosecutor Chou Hsin-chieh. The team visited the Shuishang Police Station and Taibao Police Substation under the jurisdiction of the Shuishang Precinct, Chiayi County Police Bureau. They went deep into the frontline to hear practical briefings from the chiefs and directors of all police substations and stations under the Shuishang Precinct regarding intelligence collection, informant network planning, and operational readiness for investigating vote-buying in the 2026 Local Public Officials Elections.

Chief Prosecutor Tsai Tzung-Shi emphasized that frontline judicial police officers are at the forefront of investigating vote-buying and preventing violence. Precise intelligence gathering and a well-planned informant network are the key factors to success in handling vote-buying cases. Through direct visits and symposiums conducted by the Chief Prosecutor, Head Prosecutors, and Prosecutors at the grassroots level, they can not only gain a deep understanding of the local electoral dynamics in Shuishang, Taibao, and Luchao, but also provide immediate guidance and solutions for frontline police officers facing difficulties in evidence collection, investigation, and legal application, demonstrating a firm resolve to unite prosecutors and police in strictly cracking down on illegal acts.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office stated that this investigation effort will strictly adhere to the work guidelines issued by the Ministry of Justice, focusing on four major objectives:

1. Strictly Investigate Vote-Buying and Violence: Maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward cash-for-votes, gift-giving, or violent threats, fully strengthening informant deployment and crackdown efforts.

2. Sever Election Gambling Rings: Closely monitor underground bookmaking and capital flows to prevent illegal gambling pools from influencing voters' intentions.

3. Block the Spread of Disinformation: Establish an immediate verification and clarification mechanism, strictly prosecuting all types of malicious fake news intended to compromise election fairness.

4. Block Foreign Interference: Strictly investigate foreign funds and illegal channel infiltration to safeguard national sovereignty and the democratic system.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office reiterated that a clean electoral culture is the foundation of democratic politics. Prosecutors will continue to collaborate with police, investigation, and immigration authorities, adhering to the principles of "no bottom line, no upper limit, and no time limit" to fully investigate all illegal acts hindering elections. The Prosecutors Office also appeals to the public to join in upholding election integrity. If anyone discovers suspected vote-buying, election gambling, or foreign interference, they are encouraged to report it courageously. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office has set up a dedicated whistleblower hotline: 0800-024099 (press 4 after connecting). The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential, and generous whistleblower rewards will be granted in accordance with the law upon verification.