By Julia Bergström
All Questions Rejected in December Referendum
Taiwan voters on December 18 narrowly rejected all four referendum questions posed to them, issues regarding restarting a nuclear power plant project, banning U.S. pork imports containing a certain feed additive, conserving algal reefs near a proposed natural gas receiving terminal, and holding future referendums in conjunction with national elections. The exercise was invalid anyway, as voter turnout failed to meet Taiwan’s Referendum Act requirement that a proposal must have the support of at least one-quarter of the eligible electorate in order to pass.
Expressing his disappointment in the results and low turnout, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman and opposition party leader Eric Chu said that “the referendum results have come as a detriment to Taiwan’s democracy.” Meanwhile, President Tsai Ing-wen said the results represent “four clear messages” on government policies. “Democracy is always Taiwan’s strongest backing,” she noted.
In response to a question about the vote on U.S. pork, an American Institute in Taiwan official said that “we will continue to seek constructive engagement with Taiwan on issues that affect exports of U.S. food and agricultural products.”
COVID Rules Extended, Passes Launched
Following an outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 at a quarantine hotel in Taoyuan in late December, more than 350 new locally transmitted coronavirus cases had been reported by late January. Consequently, the CECC implemented more stringent mask mandates and extended Level 2 restrictions until after the Lunar New Year holiday. Masks must be worn when exercising, taking photographs, filming, interviewing, and during other interactive activities. Hospital visits are suspended, as are eating and drinking on public transport.
The CECC on December 28 also launched international digital COVID-19 vaccine certificates, and a domestic COVID pass was rolled out on January 21. Anyone who has been vaccinated in Taiwan can download the certificate, which is recognized by 60 countries. The government requires guests and staff at nightclubs, karaoke bars, saunas, hostess bars, and massage parlors to be fully vaccinated and present a vaccination certificate when entering such facilities.
Bill to Lower Voting Age Passes Review
A proposed constitutional amendment lowering the voting age from 20 to 18 passed a committee review at the legislature on January 18. The bill, passed by the Constitutional Amendment Committee, underwent a second reading by the full legislature later the same week. Apart from lowering the voting age, the proposed amendment opens the possibility of further legislation lowering the minimum age for election candidates to 23 years old.
Amendments to Taiwan’s Constitution must be approved by at least three-quarters of lawmakers present at a meeting attended by at least three-quarters of all members of the Legislative Yuan. Since the DPP currently holds 61 seats in the legislature and the KMT 49, any constitutional amendment requires collaboration between the parties.
