Four Indicted for Allegedly Buying Signatures in Terry Gou’s 2024 Presidential Campaign
In a shocking development, Changhua prosecutors have indicted four individuals—including two men and two women—for their alleged involvement in a signature-buying scheme to support Foxconn founder Terry Gou’s bid to run for president in Taiwan’s 2024 election. This marks another major twist in Gou’s controversial independent presidential campaign, which was marred by allegations of unlawful practices aimed at securing the necessary signatures for his candidacy.
The four suspects are accused of violating Taiwan’s Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, a law that strictly governs the process of collecting signatures for presidential candidates who are not affiliated with a major political party. Gou needed at least 289,677 signatures to qualify for the election ballot, according to Taiwan’s Central Election Commission (CEC).
Details of the Signature-Buying Scheme
The individuals indicted in connection with the scheme include:
- Huang, a 60-year-old secretary of the Changhua County Council,
- Chang, a 55-year-old president of a local farmers’ association,
- Tsai, Chang’s 55-year-old wife, and
- Chen, a female staff member at the Tsao Gang branch of the association.
According to prosecutors, Huang initiated the scheme in mid-September, when he texted Chang to inform him that Gou’s signature collection campaign was set to begin on September 19, 2023. Huang offered payment for every 100 signatures collected, and Chang agreed to assist with the effort.
The indictment alleges that Chang, Tsai, and Chen then went on to collect 10 signatures each, paying individuals NT$300 to NT$350 (roughly US$9.25 to US$10.80) per signature. The prosecutors also confirmed that they had obtained Chang’s mobile phone during their investigation, which contained evidence of communications with Chen related to the alleged signature-buying operation.
Legal Fallout and Growing Controversy
The Changhua County Council issued a statement on Tuesday, expressing regret over Huang’s indictment and emphasizing its respect for Taiwan’s judicial system. The council pledged to educate its staff on legal and ethical issues surrounding election laws, underscoring their commitment to a fair and transparent political process.
This case adds to a growing list of individuals facing legal action for their involvement in signature buying related to Gou’s presidential campaign. Since January, more than 20 people have been indicted in connection with similar allegations. One of the most notable cases involved Pingtung County Council Speaker Chou Tien-lun, who was sentenced to four years in prison in August 2023 for using NT$5 million in public funds to purchase signatures. Chou’s sentence was appealed, and the case remains ongoing.
Terry Gou’s Presidential Campaign and Its Impact
Despite the legal challenges and the ongoing investigations into his campaign practices, Terry Gou ultimately succeeded in securing enough signatures to qualify for the 2024 presidential race. Gou—who is widely known for founding Foxconn—officially reached the required threshold of 902,389 valid signatures, according to the Central Election Commission.
However, the controversy surrounding his signature-gathering efforts remained a point of contention, overshadowing his campaign’s launch. In mid-September 2023, Gou announced Tammy Lai, a veteran singer-actress, as his running mate, seeking to bolster his campaign’s appeal. Yet, despite the momentum, Gou withdrew from the race on November 24, 2023, just weeks before the election.
The indictment of the four individuals underscores the tension and legal risks surrounding Taiwan’s presidential elections, where the race for signatures and endorsements has proven contentious. Gou’s exit from the race only intensified the political discourse, as many questioned the integrity of his campaign.
Key Legal Points on Signature Collection in Taiwan
| Legal Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Signatures | 289,677 valid signatures required to qualify for candidacy |
| Signature Buying | Violates the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act |
| Penalties | Violation of election laws can result in indictment, fines, and prison time |
| Key Suspects in Indictment | Huang (Changhua County Council), Chang (Farmers’ Association), Tsai (Wife), Chen (Staff Member) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the basis of the indictment against the four individuals?
The four individuals are accused of buying signatures to support Terry Gou’s presidential campaign, which violated Taiwan’s Presidential Election and Recall Act. They allegedly paid individuals NT$300-350 per signature to help Gou meet the minimum requirement of 289,677 signatures.
2. Who is Terry Gou and why is his campaign significant?
Terry Gou is the founder of Foxconn, one of Taiwan’s largest tech companies. His presidential bid in 2024 garnered significant attention due to his business background and his attempt to run as an independent candidate without the backing of any major political party.
3. What are the legal implications for those involved in signature buying?
Those involved in signature buying can face criminal charges, including indictment and possible prison sentences. The act undermines the integrity of the election process and is strictly regulated by the Presidential Election and Recall Act.
4. How did Terry Gou manage to qualify for the 2024 presidential election?
Despite the controversies surrounding his signature-gathering efforts, Terry Gou successfully gathered 902,389 valid signatures, surpassing the minimum requirement. However, he withdrew from the election in November 2023.
5. How many people have been indicted in connection with Gou’s campaign?
As of November 2023, more than 20 individuals have been indicted for their involvement in signature buying related to Gou’s presidential bid, including prominent figures like Chou Tien-lun, the Pingtung County Council Speaker.
