CEC to hold 5 televised forums, debates on nuclear referendum

Taipei, Sept. 18 (CNA) Five televised forums or debates on a referendum seeking to abolish Taiwan's policy of creating a "nuclear-free homeland" will begin on Nov. 12, the Central Election Commission (CEC) announced on Friday.

According to a CEC press release, the referendum asks whether voters support the government using nuclear power to boost Taiwan's economy and abolishing its "nuclear-free homeland" policy.

The referendum question was put forward by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and supported by the smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP).

The two parties hold a majority of seats in the Legislature.

In order to ensure both sides have an opportunity to present their views, the CEC said it decided on Friday to hold five forums or debates on nationwide television.

The Legislative Yuan will represent the side supporting the referendum, while the Executive Yuan or those opposing it will represent the other side.

The five sessions will be held during the following dates and times: 3 p.m. on Nov. 12, 7 p.m. on Nov. 14, 3 p.m. on Nov. 16, 10 a.m. on Nov. 18, and 7 p.m. on Nov. 20.

People seeking to represent either side at the forums or debates must first obtain CEC approval to establish an office under Article 20 of the Referendum Act.

Both sides must submit the names of their representatives to the CEC by Oct. 15.

The referendum will be held alongside Taiwan's "nine-in-one" local elections on Nov. 28, when voters will elect city and county leaders, local councilors, and other local officials.

The referendum will be Taiwan's fourth on nuclear power since 2018.

Voters in 2018 backed removing a legal requirement to end nuclear power generation by 2025.

In 2021 and 2025, however, they rejected referendums to restart Taiwan's mothballed Fourth Nuclear Power Plant and extend the operation of the Maanshan plant.