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Questioning Li Ssu-chuan's online support as 'self-directed and acted,' Su Chiao-hui's campaign says citizens are used to it

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Su Chiao-hui's campaign questioned opponent Li Ssu-chuan's social media support, alleging the use of fake accounts.
  • Li Ssu-chuan's campaign retorted that the accusations were a "green camp" tactic and "self-directed and acted."
  • Su's campaign spokesperson responded by stating that New Taipei City residents are accustomed to such tactics, citing past instances of alleged online manipulation supporting Li.

A political spat has erupted in New Taipei City, Taiwan, as the campaign for Democratic Progressive Party mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui accused her opponent, Li Ssu-chuan of the Kuomintang, of employing fake online accounts to bolster his social media presence. Su's campaign alleged that the supportive comments were "copy-pasted" and had become a "joke among friends."

Looking at past instances where online armies supporting Li Ssu-chuan were exposed, we believe New Taipei City residents have become accustomed to this.

— Ma Heng-heng Yi-jiangSu Chiao-hui's campaign spokesperson responding to Li Ssu-chuan's campaign's denial.

Li Ssu-chuan's campaign office swiftly dismissed the allegations, characterizing them as a smear tactic by the "green camp" (referring to the DPP) and accusing Su's side of "self-direction and acting." Li himself, when questioned about the accusations, suggested that his opponent's tactics were similar to those used in a previous recall election, declining to comment further.

However, Su's campaign spokesperson, Ma Heng-heng Yi-jiang, countered that Su had anticipated Li's campaign would distance itself from any alleged online manipulation. "Looking at past instances where online armies supporting Li Ssu-chuan were exposed, we believe New Taipei City residents have become accustomed to this," Ma stated. He further criticized Li's campaign for failing to directly address accusations of sharing online resources with another KMT candidate and for a series of perceived gaffes in their policy presentations and social media content.

The source of the social media discussion is fundamentally the green camp's side leading the narrative and self-directing and acting.

— Li Ssu-chuan's campaign officeAccusing Su's campaign of fabricating the allegations.

These gaffes, according to Su's campaign, include an incorrect date for a typhoon holiday announcement, confusion about the appearance of Banqiao Station, and unfulfilled promises regarding infrastructure projects. The campaign also pointed to public criticism of Li's proposal for a public pet hospital, which was deemed a misallocation of resources. Despite the ongoing political attacks, Su's campaign asserted its commitment to a positive and policy-focused approach, aiming to win voter support with substantive proposals.

His opponent's tactics are the same as last year's recall election, I won't say more.

— Li Ssu-chuanResponding to accusations of fake social media accounts.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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