The other accusation had Tsai and a partner using their positions to influence an army procurement of missiles. It is common knowledge in Taiwan that many KMT politicians have solidified their grip on power through vote-buying. According to insiders, the process works like this. Underworld figures use their extensive networks in local communities to fix elections. Once the politician takes the designated seat, the gangs are paid off.
Authorities often turn a blind eye to illegal businesses.
Last week, however, the KMT lost decisively to the opposition Democratic Progressive Party in local elections, deemed among the island s cleanest since democracy began to take root in the early 1990s. The government says it wants to sweep the gangs away but this would actually damage the KMT, says Tsai Ming-hsien, an opposition lawmaker. So they just grab the small fry. Independent legislator Liao Hsueh-kuang, who was kidnapped last August, also questions Taipei s commitment. Others are more appreciative of the government s anti-graft drive.