BEIJING - The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), one of the country's top think tanks, said illicit canvassing took place during its biennial election of academics.

In a letter to its candidates, the CAE said it discovered clues pointing to illicit canvassing conducted by some candidates and their employers, reminding candidates to adhere to the organization's rules.

The CAE sent the letter after releasing a list of candidates this week.

In its last election held in 2011, the CAE sent a letter to candidates saying that canvassing campaigns had seriously disrupted the work of academics.

In 2012, the CAE issued a regulation that spells out penalties for those involved in illicit election-related conduct.

The title of "CAE academic" is the highest academic title in the field of engineering. There are currently 765 CAE academics who have the life-long honorary title.