Taiwan to discuss reactivation of nuclear power plant ahead of referendum

Taipei, June 21 (CNA) Taiwan's Central Election Commission (CEC) on Friday announced that five public forums will be held starting Aug. 7 to discuss a proposal to restart the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, ahead of a public referendum on the issue.

The CEC said the forums on the Aug. 23 referendum will feature debates and public opinion sessions, and will be broadcast live on national television on Aug. 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15.

The Legislative Yuan will represent the supporting side, while the opposition will be represented by the Cabinet or approved offices opposing the proposal.

Members of the public who wish to attend the public opinion sessions or serve as debate representatives must apply for approval from the CEC to set up an office to promote their views, in accordance with the Referendum Act, the CEC said.

Those in favor of the proposal should register with the Legislative Yuan, which will recommend a list of representatives to the CEC by July 16. Meanwhile, the list of representatives opposed to the proposal will be submitted by the designated opposition representative.

The opposition-backed referendum was passed on May 20 by the Legislative Yuan, just three days after the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant stopped operations on May 17, when its 40-year operating license expired.

Also on Friday, the CEC ruled that a referendum proposal to abolish the requirement for a specific number of justices on the Constitutional Court to rule on a case complies with relevant regulations. The list of verified signatories will be confirmed by household registration offices within 15 days.