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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, January 14, 2004

Chen Shui-bian testifies over alleged vote-buying

Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian Wednesday morning appeared in a court to testify over alleged vote-buying by a candidate from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).


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Taiwan leader Chen Shui-bian Wednesday morning appeared in a court to testify over alleged vote-buying by a candidate from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Prosecutors want to quiz Chen on his role in a campaign promise made by magistrate You Ying-lung during elections last year.

You is accused of promising tribal chiefs in Hualien country 5,000 Taiwan dollars (147 US) a month in subsidies if he was elected magistrate. You, under investigation for alleged vote-buying, protested against the case which he called "absurd and abuse of power."

"It is the duty of a candidate to present his public policy seeking ways to solve problems in his constituency. There is no violation of any laws," You told reporters. He also said the subsidy offer was made by his campaign team without involvement of Chen.

Unlikely to turn Chen into a suspect
As local media pointed out, the DPP has taken the campaign last year for Hualien mayor as a warming-up of the "presidential election". While Chen's appearance on court this time could help to create his image as "respecting justice". According to the present law of Taiwan, Chen needn't to shoulder legal responsibilities unless special circumstances occur. He is unlikely to be turned into a suspect even if he admits knowledge of You's alleged vote-buying. More likely is he brushes aside the matter by saying he knows nothing about the matter.

Besides, Chen knows by heart that he would receive higher treatment than others even on the court. Local news said Chen would be allowed to answer questions in a chair, as Lee Teng-hui did. To receive Chen Shui-bian the court had asked heads of construction sites nearby to accelerate their work. And the security work around the court was tightened.

By People's Daily Online


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