TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Supreme Administrative Court on Saturday rejected former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s (柯文哲) appeal seeking to participate in the recall election, finalizing the decision.

The legal proceedings originate from Ko’s indictment by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office over allegations related to a department store redevelopment case. The matter is under trial at the Taipei District Court, according to CNA.

A two-month extension of Ko’s detention was recently approved, effective from Aug. 2. The court cited concerns about potential evidence tampering or collusion with co-defendants and witnesses.

Ko had filed a provisional injunction, citing his right to vote under the Public Officials Election and Recall Act. He requested that authorities, including the Taipei City Election Commission and Taipei Detention Center, facilitate his voting in the recall election for Taipei’s sixth electoral district, which targets KMT Legislator Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強).

Several voting methods were proposed, such as establishing a polling station within the detention facility, mail-in voting, or escorting Ko under guard to a polling station.

The Taipei High Administrative Court denied Ko’s request on Friday morning. Following this, Ko appealed to the Supreme Administrative Court, which upheld the lower court’s ruling on Saturday.

Voting began at 8 a.m. Saturday for recall campaigns involving 24 KMT lawmakers and suspended Hsinchu Mayor Kao Hung-an (高虹安). Vote counting will start promptly after polls close at 4 p.m.