Taiwan's Election Commission Rejects Two Referendum Proposals, Sparking Political Debate

Taiwan's Central Election Commission (CEC) has rejected two significant referendum proposals, one focused on the dedicated use of traffic fines and another advocating for the reintroduction of corporal punishment. Only a proposal to abolish nuclear power will be consolidated with the year-end elections, a decision that has ignited fierce criticism from the KMT and TPP parties, who accuse the commission of "monopolizing power and confiscating democracy."

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The CEC operates within legal procedures, and both administrative and legislative powers have limits, so it's impossible to follow the legislators' opinions on everything.

Former CEC Chairman Chen Ying-chin defended the commission's actions, asserting that it operates strictly according to legal procedures. He emphasized that both administrative and legislative branches have defined scopes of authority and cannot simply acquiesce to every legislative suggestion. Chen advised that parties dissatisfied with the CEC's decisions can pursue administrative litigation to clarify any perceived overreach or infringement on legislative powers.

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The 'traffic fine usage' referendum involves budget issues and infringes on local authority, so it was not eligible for a referendum.

Chen elaborated on the rejection of the "traffic fine usage" referendum, citing concerns over budget implications and potential infringement on local government authority. He noted that the corporal punishment proposal was rejected primarily because it clearly violates international covenants and current Taiwanese law, which does not include such penalties. Furthermore, he suggested that implementing corporal punishment would likely face significant constitutional challenges.

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Corporal punishment is clearly not eligible for a referendum, in addition to the CEC citing violations of the 'International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights' and the 'International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights'.

Regarding the "abolishing nuclear power" referendum, Chen expressed skepticism about its necessity, pointing out that the Ministry of Economic Affairs has already approved plans for the continued operation of nuclear power plants. He argued that the referendum's outcome might not significantly alter policy, as the government is already proceeding with plans that contradict the referendum's aim. Chen also highlighted the logistical strain referendums place on election officials, citing the extended vote counting times in past elections where referendums were combined with general elections.

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It's not that the Legislative Yuan delivers it, civil servants must follow it. Both administrative and legislative powers have limits.