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President Chen announces intention to hold referendum
President Chen Shui-bian revealed his intention to hold a nationwide referendum before the next presidential election. He made the announcement in a speech at the National Nuclear-free Homeland Conference June 27.
President Chen has expressed resolve to hold referendums despite the fact that the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan currently has no legislative mechanism for them. "The legislation of referendum law should not be the center of disputes," President Chen pointed out. "The plebiscite is a fundamental human right that cannot be deprived, limited or opposed by any nation, government, or individual." He added that referendums have been held in many countries to allow a country's citizens to determine their own future.
According to Deputy Secretary-General Lee Ying-yuan, the government intends to hold nationwide votes on three key issues before the next presidential election: the future of Taiwan's fourth nuclear power plant, Taiwan's membership in the World Health Organization, and constitutional amendments such as a reduction in the number of seats in the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's national legislature, and extension of legislators' terms of service.
The Executive Yuan drafted a bill in March 2001 that would constitutionally enable initiatives and referendums. The bill, which paved the way for legislation of the fourth nuclear power plant referendum, was sent to the Legislature April 2002 and is currently under review. The bill excluded controversial issues dealing with independence or unification, national security, diplomacy and national defense.
President Chen Shui-bian revealed his intention to hold a nationwide referendum before the next presidential election. He made the announcement in a speech at the National Nuclear-free Homeland Conference June 27.
President Chen has expressed resolve to hold referendums despite the fact that the Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan currently has no legislative mechanism for them. "The legislation of referendum law should not be the center of disputes," President Chen pointed out. "The plebiscite is a fundamental human right that cannot be deprived, limited or opposed by any nation, government, or individual." He added that referendums have been held in many countries to allow a country's citizens to determine their own future.
According to Deputy Secretary-General Lee Ying-yuan, the government intends to hold nationwide votes on three key issues before the next presidential election: the future of Taiwan's fourth nuclear power plant, Taiwan's membership in the World Health Organization, and constitutional amendments such as a reduction in the number of seats in the Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's national legislature, and extension of legislators' terms of service.
The Executive Yuan drafted a bill in March 2001 that would constitutionally enable initiatives and referendums. The bill, which paved the way for legislation of the fourth nuclear power plant referendum, was sent to the Legislature April 2002 and is currently under review. The bill excluded controversial issues dealing with independence or unification, national security, diplomacy and national defense.
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