Guanxi Township's 5,000 NTD Handout Draws Over 1,300 New Residents in 5 Days; Prosecutors Investigate

According to the Central News Agency, Guanxi Township in Hsinchu County saw over 1,361 people register as residents in just five days after implementing a policy to distribute 5,000 NTD to anyone registered by May 29. New Power Party Chair Wang Wan-yu suggested that this influx might be an attempt to maintain the township's two county council seats, which are at risk due to population decline. She called for a special audit to verify actual residency. The Hsinchu District Prosecutors Office announced it has launched an investigation into potential fraudulent residency registration, illegal receipt of subsidies, and other violations of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act to ensure election fairness. The Hsinchu County Government has not yet responded to the situation.