Blacklist Controversy Resolved: Chang Chien-fu Announces Re-election Bid for Yunlin's Dongshi Township Mayor

Central News Agency reporter Chiang I-ching, Yunlin County, June 15

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) incumbent mayor of Dongshi Township, Yunlin County, Chang Chien-fu, has announced his intention to run for re-election. Last month, he withdrew from the race after being informed that he might have violated the 'anti-black' clause due to a past criminal record. However, after a legal review by his attorney confirmed that his final verdict in the firearms-related case was acquittal, Chang held a press conference today to clarify the misunderstanding and announced his return to the local election race at year-end.

In response, the Yunlin County Election Commission stated that it had only assisted in collecting relevant documents upon request from the DPP's county party office. After gathering the materials, they were forwarded to the party office without any independent assessment or judgment.

Chang made the announcement today alongside attorney Wu Tsung-yi, DPP Yunlin County Party Executive Director Tsai Yung-fu, Township Council Chair Liu Chia-wei, and several village chiefs and local representatives, officially re-entering the year-end electoral campaign.

Chang explained that on June 12, he received a reply from the Yunlin County Election Commission indicating that he had been convicted under the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act. Believing this might disqualify him under the anti-mafia provisions of the Election and Recall Act, he voluntarily announced his withdrawal on Facebook to allow other potential candidates time to prepare.

Subsequently, many supporters urged Chang to seek legal clarification on his eligibility. He then retained attorney Wu Tsung-yi to conduct a thorough investigation.

Wu stated that the criminal case in question dates back 30 years to a 1996 ruling by the Taiwan High Court. Upon review, the final verdict showed that Chang was acquitted in the firearms case, while receiving a four-month prison sentence for unlawful detention. Therefore, Chang meets the eligibility requirements for candidacy.

Wu explained that criminal records are often labeled under the most severe charge, which likely led to the misunderstanding.

Chang admitted that due to the passage of time and lack of attention to the final judgment after serving his sentence, he made the withdrawal decision based on the election commission's information. Now that the truth has been clarified, he welcomes the opportunity to run again and pledges continued service to the community, striving to bring more development and benefits to local residents.

Chang also proposed that the government establish a single consultation window for candidates to verify their eligibility independently, preventing future errors and confusion.

Tsai Yung-fu noted that the DPP Yunlin County Party Office initially received documents from the election commission indicating Chang's involvement in a firearms case, leading to the misjudgment. He expressed hope that relevant authorities will improve information clarity in the future to avoid similar issues. (Edited by Chen Jen-hua) 1150615