DPP urges opposition not to block election commission nominees

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has called on opposition parties to refrain from blocking nominations for the Central Election Commission (CEC), warning that political infighting could damage the country's system of checks and balances.

DPP legislative caucus whip Chuang Jui-hsiung stated that the nominees, including Vice Chairperson nominee Shen Shu-fei and committee members Tsai Wei-che and Huang Mou-hsin, possess strong academic reputations. He believes they would pass if thoroughly reviewed by the opposition parties, which he referred to as "blue and white" (referring to the Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party).

During a previous review of CEC nominees, the opposition blocked three candidates proposed by the Executive Yuan. The Executive Yuan subsequently submitted three new nominees in April. However, reports suggest that the opposition plans to block all of them again, hoping the administration will present a better list. Chuang reminded the opposition that the CEC chairperson nominee, Yu Mei-nu, was approved with their support in the past. He also noted that the CEC handles important referendums, some of which are initiated by the opposition parties themselves.

Chuang emphasized that the CEC is an independent institution. He urged the opposition not to engage in blanket obstructionism simply because candidates are proposed by the ruling party. He extended this concern to other independent bodies, including the National Communications Commission (NCC) and the Fair Trade Commission, as well as upcoming nominations for the Control Yuan. The DPP fears that the destruction of these strong checks and balances, driven by short-term political battles, would be detrimental to Taiwan's governance.