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Referendum law makes headway

The proposed referendum law whereby people may have a direct and final say on public policy has made important progress recently after its proponents agreed to exclude sensitive political issues from being voted on.

The four legislative caucuses have all agreed to consider a referendum bill sponsored by DPP lawmaker Trong Chai (蔡同榮) that will empower people to decide key policy issues through a popular vote.

Chai, who has sought unsuccessfully to push the bill through for more than a decade, agreed earlier to limit the legislation to only those matters that have crucial bearing on public welfare.

"By leaving out political subjects, I hope all parties can now give their support to the bill in keeping with the democratic spirit that power resides with the people," Chai said.

Over the years, Chai and his allies have suggested settling major controversial issues through a democratic ballot.

To that end, he staged a hunger strike in the legislature in 1999, but to no avail.

Opponents of the bill, mainly the then-KMT administration, have linked the move to an attempt by pro-independence groups to call a plebiscite to settle the sovereignty row between Taiwan and China.

To placate foes at home and across the Strait, President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) pledged upon his inauguration not to tinker with the nation's title, flag, or territory in any fashion during his term.

DPP caucus leader Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) said the ruling party would help place the referendum bill on the legislative calendar.

"We will back the bill now that its controversial clause has been removed," Ker said. "The caucus had discussed the matter with the Cabinet and both agreed to push for the legislation under the premise of preserving political stability and harmony."

According to Chai's proposal, all referendum initiations must be endorsed by at least two percent of all eligible voters before being put to a popular ballot.

Opposition caucuses praised Chai's pragmatic concession, but said further discussion is necessary.

KMT legislative leader Tseng Yung-chuan (曾永權) said that though nothing has yet been finalized, the prospect of passing a referendum bill has significantly increased.

He said his party will take a cautious approach to the matter and that fellow colleague Kao Yu-jen (高育仁) will hold a public hearing this week to listen to expert opinions.

"We want to define the domain of public welfare," Tseng said. "The proposal to list Hokkien as the second official language, for instance, may trigger different interpretations among the parties."

PFP legislative whip Chin Huei-chu (秦慧珠) agreed and suggested adding an exclusionary clause that bans a popular vote on any issue that may antagonize the country.

The TSU said it will give its full support to the referendum bill.

TSU lawmaker Lo Chih-ming (羅志明) said it was on his advice that Chai agreed to amend his bill.

"If passed, the bill will allow the country to resolve major disputes over policy issues through a democratic process," he said.
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