Taiwan’s Chinese Nationalist Party announced today it will prioritize a nuclear referendum for the November ballot. This decision follows criticism that too many referendum questions could complicate voting day procedures. Consequently, the KMT aims to streamline its approach after facing pushback from election officials.
Indeed, opposition parties had separately proposed six referendum initiatives alongside November’s scheduled local elections. These proposals covered ending the nuclear-free homeland policy, maintaining the death penalty and legalizing euthanasia. Additionally, other measures addressed caning for certain crimes and allocating traffic fines toward road safety. Furthermore, one proposal would let voters cast ballots outside their registered polling stations entirely.
However, Central Election Commission Chairman Michael You warned last week that multiple referendums could delay counting significantly. He explained during a legislative hearing that one referendum remains manageable, while three would prove unfeasible. Moreover, extended delays could damage Taiwan’s international reputation during the counting process. In response, KMT Legislator Lo Chih-chiang suggested reducing referendum items after consulting with the Taiwan People’s Party. Meanwhile, TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang argued fewer proposals would emerge if the government addressed underlying issues.
Today, KMT Culture and Communications Committee Director Chen Yi-hsin confirmed party headquarters favors the nuclear referendum. He noted the party has not finalized its complete referendum strategy yet. Additionally, the KMT proposed combining multiple referendum questions onto single ballots to speed counting. However, You previously cautioned this approach could increase invalid ballots and complicate public observation instead.
Separately, the KMT amended its National Party Congress theme following a food safety incident this month. Chen confirmed the party will formally nominate mayoral candidates during Wednesday’s Central Standing Committee meeting. Saturday’s congress will center around the theme protecting livelihoods and pursuing peace for Taiwan. Afterward, members plan to join a food safety rally at Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei.
