TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The DPP on Wednesday accused KMT legislators of attempting to influence voters in Taoyuan through the distribution of improper gifts, while also alleging that the Taoyuan City Government has been aiding efforts to suppress recall campaigns.

DPP Taoyuan City Councilor Wei Yun (魏筠) alleged that KMT lawmakers Lu Yu-ling (呂玉玲) and Wan Mei-ling (萬美玲) distributed gifts at recent rallies in an attempt to sway public opinion, per CNA. She questioned whether the value of the items exceeded the NT$30 (US$1.03) threshold established by the Supreme Prosecutors Office in 2001.

DPP City Councilor Hsu Chia-jiu (許家睿) also accused the city government of targeting recall organizers, including denying them access to public venues for campaign events, per Tai Sounds. In response, Lu denied wrongdoing and said her actions comply with all relevant laws.

Wei specifically raised concerns about the food items distributed in the name of six KMT legislators currently facing recall. She noted that the bread lacked labeling on origin, ingredients, and expiration dates, raising possible food safety issues.

DPP Spokesperson Justin Wu (吳崢) supported the allegations, arguing that when such items are packaged together, their combined value may exceed the NT$30 legal limit, per CMMedia. He questioned whether the legislators personally funded the gifts, suggesting that undisclosed financial backers could be involved in the KMT’s anti-recall campaign.

Hsu echoed these concerns, pointing out that political donations are prohibited in recall elections. He warned that with recent budget cuts to the Control Yuan, supported by the KMT and the TPP, oversight of political donations and asset disclosures could be compromised.

According to the 2001 guidelines issued by the Supreme Prosecutors Office and referenced by the Central Election Commission, gifts valued under NT$30 are generally not considered bribery, as they are unlikely to influence voter decisions. However, the Ministry of Justice later clarified that the intent behind the gift must also be evaluated.

Prosecutors must determine whether the candidate intended to influence voters and whether the value of the gift could reasonably sway voter behavior.