TAIPEI (TVBS News) — As Taiwan’s Nov. 26 local elections draw near, the government’s firm stance against allowing COVID-positive voters to cast their ballots has become increasingly controversial.
Opposition party officials have criticized the vote restrictions as a violation of the constitution, although this argument has already been refuted by Central Elections Commission (CEC) Chairman Lee Chin-yung.
According to Lee, requiring confirmed patients to undergo quarantine does not violate the constitution. Still, many point out that prohibiting someone from voting is not right.
Kuomintang legislator Tseng Ming-chung pointed out that countries such as Japan, the United States and South Korea already have absentee voting systems in place following the pandemic. So, why doesn't Taiwan have it?
As daily confirmed cases range from 10,000 to 20,000, and the current quarantine requirements are at five days, there will be an estimated 100,000 people who are eligible but will be prohibited from voting on election day.
In addition, there are those who are currently not in Taiwan but hold Taiwan citizenship. This is another problem as many citizens won't be able to vote due to the absence of an absentee voting system.
Still, because of the current lack of a comprehensive system in these matters, the ruling party is unwilling to allow absentee voting for now but is open to further discussions.
According to the estimation of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), more than 320,000 voters may be prevented from voting as they are unable to return in time for the elections due to flight restrictions.
Taiwan's laws request that nationals live in Taiwan for at least 4 months before being eligible to vote. This means that those living overseas need to return by July 26 in order to vote.
However, Taiwan only reopened its borders in October, meaning many will miss their chance to cast their ballots this year.
As a beacon for democracy in the Asia-Pacific region, Taiwan needs to figure out an absentee voting system soon before It interferes with the 2024 presidential election.
But, what do you think? Have you made up your mind on your favorite candidate? Well, don’t forget to vote. You still have a chance to cast your ballot in the Taipei City election.
You can follow Vivian Hsiao on Twitter: @vivianhsiaoTVBS
