Two TSU lawmakers are planning to introduce a resolution to the legislature this week that calls on the Cabinet to hold a non-binding referendum on direct links with China.
The question would be added to ballot papers in the mayoral and city councilor elections in Taipei and Kaohsiung, which will be held on Dec. 7.
The two legislators, Chen Chien-ming (
Chen said he and Lo had approached the DPP caucus about the proposal and had the support of the majority of DPP legislators.
"We discussed this many times last week," Chen said.
"Generally speaking, most DPP colleagues supported our idea. However, we still need to lobby as many colleagues as possible to support us and make the proposal an official legislative decision," he said.
To pass, the resolution requires at least two-thirds of the legislature to vote for it.
Chen said that the issue of direct transportation links with China had become an important issue but politicians had widely divergent views on the issue.
"At the moment, it is necessary to learn what people really need and really wish," he said. "The proposed consultative referendum can be a great reference for the government to work out what to do."
Chen said there is now no referendum law in Taiwan and that the resolution would not change this. Nevertheless, Chen said he hoped the Cabinet would abide by the resolution, although it is not obliged to do so.
"We can press them to follow our wish but we cannot do anything if they refuse because it will not be a law," Chen said.
"In the meantime, we cannot hold the consultative referendum by ourselves because the TSU doesn't have the manpower or the budget for this."
Asked whether it could be a fair referendum with only voters in Taipei and Kaohsiung included, Chen said it wouldn't be completely fair but would still be a valuable reference tool for the government.
"If our opponents feel that it won't be fair enough, we will propose doing it again during the 2004 presidential election. It's no big deal. However, it is very important to listen to the people anyway," he said.
In response to Chen and Lo's proposal, the Cabinet yesterday said it would probably be impossible to carry it out even if approved by the legislature because of manpower and budget constraints.
Minister of the Interior Yu Cheng-hsien (余政憲) said that holding such a referendum would complicate the election process.
But Chen argued that it would not be that difficult.
"All they need to do is print one more ballot for each voter. Nothing more and nothing less. I don't understand why it would be complicated," Chen said.
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