Taiwan Referendums Could Delay Election Results Until 3 AM

Taiwan's Central Election Commission (CEC) chair, Yu Ying-lung, has voiced concerns about the potential logistical challenges of holding multiple referendums concurrently with general elections, estimating that vote counting could extend until 3 a.m. the next day if four proposals are on the ballot.

Yu's worries echo sentiments from 2018, when similar issues arose. Former CEC chair Chen Ying-chin stated he fully understands Yu's apprehension, recalling that in 2018, election committees and the National Police Agency had expressed difficulties in managing the workload and ensuring adequate police presence at polling stations. Despite these concerns, legislators at the time insisted on consolidating referendums with general elections.

Several parties, including the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People's Party, have proposed various referendum topics, such as euthanasia, corporal punishment, and anti-death penalty measures. While the initial number of proposals was high, parties are reportedly discussing a reduction to a more manageable set of consensus-driven issues.

Chen elaborated on the staffing challenges, noting that each polling station requires at least one police officer. With nearly 20,000 polling stations nationwide, this necessitates a significant police deployment. He also highlighted the strain on election staff, many of whom are teachers working extended hours. In 2018, additional incentives and directives were needed to recruit sufficient personnel, and the intense atmosphere during vote counting often led to shifts exceeding 12 hours, pushing human limits. Chen's remarks underscore the potential for significant delays and operational difficulties in managing complex electoral processes.