Kinmen prosecutors step up election vote-buying checks, targeting foreign interference
Taiwan is tightening enforcement against vote-buying and outside meddling ahead of local elections, a warning shot for candidates and a sign officials expect dirty tactics in Kinmen.
- Prosecutors in Kinmen, the island group closest to mainland China, held a coordination meeting on policing the upcoming local elections.
- Four priorities were set: vote-buying and violence, election gambling rings, fake news, and blocking foreign forces from interfering in the vote.
- Kinmen's location makes it a soft spot for outside influence, so intelligence gathering there is being expanded.
- Police, investigators, anti-corruption units and immigration officials are all involved, and informants are promised confidentiality.
- With roughly 80 days to voting day, prosecutors say anyone caught breaking the law will be pursued regardless of party.
Outlook: Expect more raids and prosecutions in Kinmen as the vote nears, with foreign interference the headline concern.