Taoyuan's First 9‑in‑1 Election Rice‑Ball Bribery Case Uncovered

In Pingzhen District of Taoyuan City, prosecutors and police discovered the first “tangyuan‑bribery” case involving a village chief election before the registration deadline for the 9‑in‑1 election. A man surnamed Zhuang was arrested on 14 September, and prosecutors have filed an indictment seeking a five‑year prison term. The case concerns NT$400,000 in alleged bribes intended to force an opponent to withdraw from the race, thereby giving Zhuang an advantage in the election.

The 9‑in‑1 election is a system introduced in Taoyuan to improve electoral efficiency and reduce costs by holding simultaneous elections for nine local positions, including councilors, township mayors and village chiefs. The reform is promoted as a way to cut election expenses, raise voter turnout and strengthen local governance. However, holding all contests at once also creates opportunities for illicit vote‑buying, as candidates must secure votes within a compressed timeframe. Taoyuan’s prosecutorial and police agencies conducted “pre‑emptive investigations” before the registration period to root out illegal activity and safeguard the fairness of the vote.

According to the prosecution’s evidence, Zhuang offered NT$400,000 to a potential rival before the election, using the term “tangyuan” as a code word for the bribe, in an effort to induce the rival to abandon the candidacy. Investigators traced the flow of the money, examined communications between the candidates and relied on witness testimony to confirm that the conduct constituted election bribery. Prosecutors noted that the act violates provisions of the Election and Recall Act as well as criminal statutes on bribery, which carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment, detention or fines.

The indictment serves not only to punish Zhuang’s illegal conduct but also to send a warning to others. Exposure of bribery cases in local politics is expected to bolster public confidence in electoral fairness and reduce doubts about election outcomes. Prosecutors said they will continue to intensify pre‑emptive investigations for the 9‑in‑1 election and cooperate with local governments to establish more robust oversight mechanisms. If Zhuang is ultimately sentenced, the case will become the first sentencing precedent for a local election bribery in Taiwan, providing a reference point for future prosecutions.

At the community level, the case reminds voters and candidates alike to strictly adhere to election laws and avoid actions that could undermine democratic institutions. Local authorities plan to expand voter education programs to improve public understanding of electoral procedures and legal requirements, ensuring that future elections are conducted in a fair and transparent environment. The episode also highlights the pivotal role of prosecutorial and police agencies in maintaining electoral order and demonstrates the judiciary’s zero‑tolerance stance toward election bribery. (Source: Central News Agency)