Taiwan Legislature Delays 'One Vote Per Referendum' Change, Upholds Drone Law Budget Limits

Taiwan's Legislative Yuan has decided to delay the implementation of a proposed change to the Referendum Act, which would allow for multiple referendum questions on a single ballot. The measure, initially slated for this year's local elections, will now take effect next year, providing the Central Election Commission with more time to adapt.

Legislative Yuan member Fu Kun-chi, representing the Kuomintang (KMT) caucus, announced the postponement after a party meeting. He explained that the delay is intended to give the Central Election Commission adequate time to prepare for the new system. "To allow the Central Election Commission gradual adaptation and preparation time, it is expected to be implemented next year, and will not apply to this year's nine-in-one elections," Fu stated.

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To allow the Central Election Commission gradual adaptation and preparation time, it is expected to be implemented next year, and will not apply to this year's nine-in-one elections.

The proposed amendment aims to streamline the referendum process, moving away from the current system where each referendum issue requires a separate ballot. Fu likened the current practice to outdated methods, contrasting it with systems in countries like the United States, where multiple questions can be consolidated onto one ballot. "Taiwan's single ballot per issue is a more backward concept," he remarked, emphasizing the environmental benefits of reducing paper usage.

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Taiwan's single ballot per issue is a more backward concept.

In parallel, the legislature addressed the Drone Act. While the KMT fully supports the development of Taiwan's defense industry and domestic drone production, Fu Kun-chi stressed the party's firm stance against "blank check" authorizations. "We insist that there must be a budget scale and management oversight," he asserted, highlighting the need for clear financial boundaries and accountability in the drone sector.

The KMT's position emphasizes supporting national defense autonomy and the burgeoning drone industry, which they view as Taiwan's "second sacred mountain" after semiconductors. They believe Taiwan's robust technological infrastructure positions it to become a global leader in drone manufacturing. However, this support is contingent on responsible fiscal management and regulatory oversight.

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We insist that there must be a budget scale and management oversight.