Taiwan parliament approves three new referendums

Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament has voted to hold three referendums, which may take place later this year alongside local elections on November 28. The proposals include the use of caning as punishment for sex criminals and fraudsters, a move proposed by the Kuomintang (KMT). Another KMT-led referendum seeks to abolish the government’s “nuclear-free homeland” policy to support nuclear power.

A third referendum, proposed by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), suggests that traffic fines should be specifically designated for road safety improvements. While the opposition passed these measures, lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) voted against them.

The referendums must still receive formal approval from the election commission. To pass, a proposal requires at least 25% of Taiwan’s approximately 20 million eligible voters to cast a “yes” vote, and the “yes” votes must outnumber the “no” votes.