TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As Taiwan gears up for its General Election, the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced on Wednesday (Jan. 3) a ban on publicizing, reporting, disseminating, commenting on, or referring to poll data starting from midnight the same day until the end of voting on Jan. 13.
The rules outlined by the CEC are based on amendments to Article 52 of the "Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act" and Article 53 of the "Public Officials Election and Recall Act."
The regulations prohibit all forms of discussions, including Internet forum debates on poll data, postings in community bulletin boards, or public broadcasts using loudspeakers within ten days preceding the vote.
The amended laws indicate penalties for breaches are distinguished according to the violator. Fines range from NT＄100,000 to NT＄1 million for individuals or organizations that disregard these regulations.
The penalty is more severe for political parties, candidates and their employees, or agents, with fines ranging from NT＄200,000 to NT＄2 million.
The stringent regulation is part of an effort to ensure a fair environment leading into the presidential and vice presidential, and legislative elections.