absentee voting 結果共6筆

Premier Chen Chien-jen and Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang express caution regarding the implementation of absentee voting in Taiwan, emphasizing the need for thorough discussions and consensus-building to address challenges related to secrecy, accuracy, and impartiality in elections. Their statements reflect the government’s careful approach to this politically sensitive issue within Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.

Premier Chen Chien-jen and Central Election Commission Chairman Li Chin-yung discuss the proposed changes to Taiwan’s voting laws, focusing on absentee voting and voting by mail. Chen emphasizes the importance of research to ensure citizen rights and election security, while Li raises concerns about potential foreign interference. The Democratic Progressive Party expresses skepticism, fearing loopholes for Chinese influence, while Li suggests starting with a referendum and implementing ＂transfer voting＂ as a reference for future studies. Li stresses the need to carefully consider electoral reforms to protect voting rights and secret balloting.

The Executive Yuan of Taiwan has approved a draft bill for referendum absentee voting, allowing eligible voters to apply for absentee voting through a transfer voting system to protect their voting rights. The new law, in accordance with Article 25 of the amended Referendum Act, aims to facilitate voting for those unable to return to their place of registration due to various reasons. The Central Election Commission will implement the absentee voting method to ensure secrecy and fairness, with an application system open to all eligible voters until 60 days before the voting day. Additionally, an online application system will be established for voter convenience, including options for residents in remote areas to apply for transfer voting within the same county or city.

The Kuomintang (KMT) has proposed the Absentee Voting Act in response to the need for voting rights for citizens unable to return to their hometowns for elections. The 2021 census revealed that nearly 2 million people work or study outside their home regions, making an absentee voting system necessary. KMT lawmakers argue that this system would increase voter turnout, deepen democracy, protect constitutional voting rights, and is vital for further legislation. The delay in implementing absentee voting in Taiwan has put the country behind other developed nations that have already adopted this global trend.

Central Election Commission Chairperson Lee Chin-yung stated that the Public Officials Election and Recall Act does not accommodate absentee voting processes, and noted that voting in jails contains security issues. The Commission has decided to appeal to the Taipei High Administrative Court regarding the provisional injunction.

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.