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Ministry of Labor: Election day recognized as a holiday
Taiwan is preparing for its national elections on January 13, which has been declared a "holiday" under the Labor Standards Act. Employers are required to give workers with voting rights a day off and maintain their regular pay. If employers insist on having employees work on election day, they must provide double pay for attendance hours and cannot prevent workers from voting. The elections will determine the 16th President and Vice President of Taiwan, as well as the 11th Legislative Yuan. No additional leave is granted if the voting day falls on a worker’s regular day off. Violations of these regulations may result in fines ranging from NT$20,000 to NT$1 million, in addition to wage compensation. Workers whose rights are compromised can file complaints with the local labor administrative authority.
2024/01/03 19:44
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China allegedly pressures Mayday before Taiwan vote
Chinese authorities are allegedly pressuring Taiwanese rock band Mayday to make pro-China statements ahead of Taiwan’s major election in January 2024, according to foreign media reports. China’s National Radio and Television Administration has reportedly asked Mayday to endorse Beijing’s claim that "Taiwan is part of China" and align with China’s media propaganda on Taiwan. The aim is believed to be influencing the votes of young people in Taiwan. Mayday’s management company, B’in Music, has not responded to inquiries, and higher authorities from the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council have also not commented on the matter.
2023/12/28 16:48
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Voters in Taiwan can verify data online: MOI
The Ministry of the Interior (MOI) has announced that the public can check their voting rights information by using their ID card and birth date on the Department of Household Registration website from December 26 to December 28. People can also visit local township, city, or district offices to check the list of eligible voters and request a correction if there is inaccurate data. To have voting rights, individuals must be at least 20 years old and have continuously resided in the free area of the Republic of China for at least six months for presidential elections, and at least four months in the respective constituency for legislative elections. The voters’ list will be compiled using records from 20 days before election day. The Department of Household Registration will also enable online inquiries about polling station locations from January 8 to 13, 2024, to assist individuals who do not live at their registered addresses or have not received a voting notification.
2023/12/26 15:55
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Chiang Wan-an key to winning youth vote: KMT councilor
Taipei City Councilor and legislative candidate Yu Shu-hui highlights the crucial role Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an plays in attracting young voters with only 32 days remaining until the 2024 elections. Chiang’s popularity is evident as he rallies for Kuomintang (KMT) candidates in Taichung and Kaohsiung, receiving warm greetings from enthusiastic supporters. Yu advises Chiang to increase interaction with younger voters, possibly collaborating with KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong. The KMT needs to diversify its approach to connect with the electorate, as Chiang’s rising popularity adds pressure to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Chiang’s strategic positioning in this election indicates the KMT’s focus on courting the youth vote and leveraging his appeal to challenge the DPP’s stronghold. As political tensions rise, all eyes will be on Chiang as he continues to campaign across Taiwan leading up to the January election.
2023/12/12 18:00
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DPP decries false media claims on presidential debates
The spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign office expressed regret over inaccurate and malicious media reports about the upcoming presidential debates. The spokesperson demanded corrections from outlets that claimed certain media were favored during the debates and alleged a coalition aiming to gang up on fellow candidates Hou Yu-ih and Ko Wen-je. It was emphasized that the decision for 11 media organizations to jointly host the debates is a longstanding practice resulting from two rounds of negotiations without interference from any campaign offices. The spokesperson also highlighted misinformation circulated by China Times, one of the debate co-hosts, despite its involvement in the meetings. The 2024 presidential election debates are scheduled to be held at Public Television Service (PTS) on December 30 at 2 p.m., with the vice presidential debates tentatively scheduled for January 1, 2024, also at 2 p.m. The 11 media entities collaboratively organizing the debates include Central News Agency (CNA), China Times, Liberty Times, United Daily News, SET News, Taiwan Television, Formosa Television, Chinese Television System (CTS), Mirror Media, TVBS News, and Public Television Service. PTS will produce and broadcast the debates, including comprehensive sign language services for the hearing impaired.
2023/12/09 15:34
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NTNU announces record 56-day winter break for students
National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) students are set to enjoy an unprecedented winter break lasting 56 days, from December 25 to February 18, the longest in the institution’s history. This extended vacation period aligns with the academic schedules of several countries, allowing international students to return home for Christmas. Other universities, such as National Taiwan University (NTU) and National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech), also begin their winter breaks on December 25. NTU’s break will last until February 6, while Taiwan Tech has added 10 extra days, ending on February 16. During this winter break, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation is offering discounted tickets to university students, with discounts of 50%, 75%, and 88% available from January 4 to January 10. Additionally, there are 28 train services providing tickets at 50% off. The upcoming 2024 presidential election in Taiwan, taking place on January 13, is also on students’ minds, as it coincides with their winter break, potentially facilitating greater voter participation among the youth demographic.
2023/12/07 20:35
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Nikkei tags Taiwan vote as ’2024’s key election in Asia’
The upcoming Taiwanese presidential election on January 13, 2024, has been dubbed "2024’s most influential election in Asia" by Nikkei Asia. Three tickets are vying for the presidency and vice-presidency: the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim, the Kuomintang (KMT) with Hou Yu-ih and Jaw Shaw-kong, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) with Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu. The election takes place amidst heightened global tensions and increasing cross-strait strains. The DPP advocates for fortified self-defense, the KMT promotes benign communication and economic ties with China, and the TPP leans towards dialogue with China. The KMT’s cross-strait policy stance has been criticized as less convincing compared to that of the DPP. The election will test whether Taiwanese voters will stand firm in defending their sovereignty against China’s growing influence.
2023/12/07 16:36
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Data shows rise in negative perceptions of ruling DPP
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has seen a rise in negative perceptions due to disputes over imported eggs, according to data from the Taiwan Public Opinion Research Center (TPOC). The center analyzed online opinions from January to October and found that the DPP received more negative than positive reactions. Public dissatisfaction with the DPP is linked to disputes over imported eggs, tensions in the Taiwan Strait, fraud and cybersecurity concerns, and energy shortages. Other factors include unsafe pedestrian traffic, residential justice issues, subsidies for private schools, unclear labeling of American pork, and disputes over flu vaccination. Despite the diminishing lead, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te remains ahead with over 60 days until the 2024 general election. All political parties must intensify their efforts to win public support as the election approaches.
2023/11/13 11:37
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Expert looks at political landscape in post-election Taiwan
As anticipation mounts following Taiwan’s forthcoming presidential election in January 2024, political observers are eager to assess the potential impact on the region’s dynamics. In an exclusive interview with TVBS commentator Wenchi Yu, Bonnie Glaser, the director of the Indo-Pacific program at the German Marshall Fund, shared her insights on the evolving relations between the United States, Taiwan, and China.
2023/06/28 18:05