In a major development reflecting Taiwan’s commitment to electoral integrity, the Taipei District Court on Monday sentenced Lee Tsung-kuei (李宗奎), deputy chairman of the Chinese Unification Promotion Party (CUPP), to a suspended two-year prison term and a NT$6 million fine for his role in illegally purchasing signatures to support business magnate Terry Gou’s (郭台銘) 2024 presidential campaign.
This high-profile case has sparked broader conversations about the vulnerabilities in Taiwan’s signature collection system for independent presidential candidates and the risks of financial influence in grassroots political processes.
Details of the Case
The court found that Lee, 74, collaborated with Chen Chung-ming (陳仲明), a hot spring business tycoon from Taipei’s Beitou District, to bolster Gou’s chances of qualifying as an independent candidate in the 2024 election.
In October 2023, Chen reportedly approached Lee with a plan: buy public endorsements for Gou at NT$300 (about US$9) per signature — a clear violation of Taiwan’s Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, which demands that all endorsements must be voluntary and without financial incentives.
According to prosecutors, Lee allocated NT$1.5 million to the scheme and directed seven subordinates and friends to assist in gathering signatures. Ultimately, the group collected over 1,000 illegal signatures, effectively trying to tip the scales in Gou’s favor.
During the trial, Lee admitted guilt, as did his accomplices, most of whom also received suspended sentences. Separately, Chen was tried earlier and sentenced to a suspended prison term with a NT$2 million fine.
As part of the court’s ruling:
- Lee must also pay NT$3 million to the government treasury.
- He is barred from running for or holding public office for four years.
- His sentence is suspended for five years, meaning he avoids immediate imprisonment but must maintain good behavior during that period.
Importantly, the case is still subject to appeal.
Broader Implications for Taiwan’s Democracy
This case highlights significant concerns:
- Integrity of Independent Candidacies: Taiwan allows independent presidential candidates if they gather enough signatures — a mechanism meant to promote political diversity. However, this case shows how monetary incentives can corrupt the process.
- Potential Gaps in Electoral Oversight: Critics are calling for reforms to strengthen verification processes, better auditing of collected signatures, and harsher penalties for breaches to deter future misconduct.
- Damage to Political Figures: Although Terry Gou himself was not implicated in organizing the illegal activities, the association with the scandal could taint his image, raising questions about vetting processes and campaign ethics.
This case has also drawn renewed scrutiny toward smaller parties like the CUPP, often criticized for fringe activities or controversial political positions, particularly concerning cross-strait relations.
Unique Context: Who Is Lee Tsung-kuei and Why Does It Matter?
Lee Tsung-kuei is a seasoned political figure with ties to pro-unification advocacy. The Chinese Unification Promotion Party, founded by former gang leader Chang An-lo (aka “White Wolf”), is known for its staunch support of closer ties between Taiwan and China — a stance that remains highly controversial among Taiwanese voters.
Given CUPP’s reputation and Lee’s role, the case carries added political sensitivity. Some analysts speculate that Lee’s actions — although framed as personal — could reflect broader ambitions within certain political networks to sway Taiwan’s democratic processes, even if such efforts ultimately failed.
FAQs
What was Lee Tsung-kuei convicted of?
Lee was convicted of illegally purchasing signatures to support Terry Gou’s 2024 independent presidential bid, violating Taiwan’s election laws.
Will Lee serve time in prison?
No, his two-year sentence is suspended for five years, meaning he will avoid jail if he does not commit further crimes during that period.
Was Terry Gou personally involved in the signature-buying scheme?
There is no evidence Terry Gou was directly involved. The illegal activities were conducted by Lee and his associates independently.
How does Taiwan’s independent candidate system work?
Independent candidates must gather a significant number of citizen endorsements, all of which must be voluntary and without financial incentives.
Has the case affected Taiwan’s electoral system?
The case has sparked discussions on tightening oversight of the signature collection process to preserve the integrity of elections.
