Taipei (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The High Court of Taiwan has ordered that ballot boxes be sealed at 13,700 polling stations in 21 of the island's districts. The decision came yesterday after 30,000 pro-Lien Chan demonstrators rallied in major cities to protest the controversial re-election of Chen Shuibian.   

A crowd of about 10,000 gathered in front of the presidential palace where some hundred demonstrators camped out all night. Meanwhile demonstrators clashed with police forces in  Taichung and Kaohsiung, where public security officers attempted to prevent angry crowds from raiding local court buildings. Two religious leaders, Buddhist and Zen masters Cheng Yen and Sheng Yen, urged people to remain calm and accept the election results.  

Standing in front of the presidential palace Lien Chan cried for the immediate inspection of ballot boxes by means of an open and transparent process and to recount the votes. He also asked for a medical and criminal task force to conduct an independent investigation on the apparent assassination attempt on Chen Shuibian on the eve of the presidential elections. Many believe the incident influenced votes in favor of the re-elected president, guaranteeing him victory. The president's administration even released photos of Chen Shuibian while undergoing medical surgery in order to confirm his injuries.    

The Central Elections Commission (CEC) has declined to act on Lien Chan's requests due to its relative judiciary power. However government spokesman, Lin Chia-lung, said "the Prime Minister has ordered the National Police Administration to increase efforts to protect ballot boxes and to make public any evidence regarding the shooting." Lin Chia-lung added that "CEC cabinet officials have done what they can and competent departments have listened to Lien's requests." Lin Chia-lung reaffirmed the government's wish to guarantee law and democracy in Taiwan.      

Based on article 104 of Taiwanese election law a candidate may ask the country's High Court to seal ballot boxes and proceed with a recount of votes if there is good reason to believe elections have been rigged. The High Court has listened to Chan's requests by ordering the sealing of ballot boxes and has appointed district court authorities to recount votes if necessary.

Meanwhile an ally of Lien Chan, Lien Soong, has filed 9 complaints at a Kaohsiung court, making accusations of illegal voting which would prove fraud on the part of the Democratic Progressive Party. 

The difficult situation in the country has caused repercussions on Taiwan's economy as the national stock exchange fell by 6.68% today. (MR)

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• china
• presidential
• elections
• rigged
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• protests