TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) said it would strictly enforce a same-day campaign ban on major political parties and other groups regarding Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang's (謝國樑) recall vote on Sunday (Oct. 13).
The prohibition on campaigning applies to ads appearing in newspapers, radio, television, internet, or other media. All ads either supporting or opposing the recall vote starting at 12 a.m. on the day of the recall vote are banned.
According to the CEC, political parties and individuals found in violation of the law shall be fined no less than NT$200,000 (US$6,200) but not more than NT$2 million. All major political parties and media are requested to comply with the law, per CNA.
Additionally, the CEC said anyone directly or indirectly found to obstruct or disrupt voting operations or interfere with citizens' free exercise of voting rights through shouting, insulting, monitoring, intimidation, or illegal force within 30 meters of the polling stations will be punished. Infractions will be investigated by Articles 142 and 147 of the Criminal Law, or Article 108, Paragraph 2, of the Public Officials Election and Recall Law.
The CEC reminded voters not to bring cameras or equipment with photographic functions into polling stations, except for cell phones which are required to be powered off.
Organizers of the Keelung mayor recall vote obtained 37,000 signatures (10% of the eligible vote) in June setting into motion the upcoming recall vote. According to recall regulations, the number of votes cast in favor of the recall has to exceed those cast against it, as well as being equal to at least one-quarter of all eligible voters in the district for the recall vote to succeed.
In simpler terms, the Keelung mayor recall vote will need at least 76,979 “yes” votes cast between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday (Oct. 13) to recall Hsieh.
