Taiwan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has implemented a new regulation concerning the eligibility of individuals born in China who wish to run for public office. Under this rule, these individuals are required to provide evidence that they have canceled their Chinese household registration at least a decade before they register as candidates. This requirement, according to the CEC, stems from existing legal interpretations and is not a politically motivated decision.
Moreover, the regulation mandates that candidates maintain household registration in Taiwan for a minimum of ten years after they have submitted proof of their Chinese household registration cancellation. This step aims to ensure that candidates have a sustained and significant connection to Taiwan, reflecting their commitment to the region before running for public office.
In a separate matter, the commission expressed concerns about proposed modifications to the referendum voting procedures. There are apprehensions that these changes could complicate the administration of elections, potentially leading to an increase in invalid ballots. Such complications might also delay the counting of votes until the following day, posing further challenges to the electoral process.
The officials highlighted the potential logistical and legal hurdles that could arise from implementing multiple referendum questions on a single ballot. This could make the recruitment of election workers more difficult, as managing the complexities of such a voting process would require additional resources and careful planning. The commission’s warnings are intended to emphasize the need for careful consideration of these proposed changes to ensure smooth and efficient electoral operations.