The new chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Chang Cheng-hsiung (張政雄), said yesterday at his inauguration that the commission is facing many challenges.
"As democracy is further taking root in our society by the day, all political parties and the public become more aware and concerned about every single election that is being held, which elevates the expectations that others have for the CEC," said Chang at his inauguration ceremony.
Chang added that as the holding of referendums has been newly added to commission's responsibilities, the CEC will have to go through more trials in the future.
"The commission will exercise its determination and patience to build an efficient team. Furthermore, we will do it with impartiality, openness and fairness, to study the pitfalls of election affairs in the past and to improve our accuracy performance in the future," said Chang.
Chang also said that he hoped the Legislative Yuan would amend the Referendum Law (公投法) to make the commission the management authority for referendums.
In response to People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong's (宋楚瑜) previous claim that Chang's appointed chairmanship was a move in preparation for President Chen Shui-bian's (陳水扁) re-election, Chang said that he did not support anyone in particular.
"The matter of a possible re-election involves a law suit requesting the court to rule that the [presidential and vice-presidential] election was a fraud. I do not want to comment on that, out of my respect for the justice system; however, I do want to say that I do not support anyone in particular. In the future, I will execute my job with impartiality and my performance will fulfill my mission," Chang said.
Chang's appointment by the Cabinet as the head of the CEC has resulted in strong opposition from pan-blue camp as well as the Democratic Action Alliance, who both believe that Chang's pan-green proclivity in the past will cause him to be biased when executing his job.
Yesterday's inauguration ceremony was presided over by Hsu Chih-hsiung (許志雄), Minister of Mongolian and Tibetan Affairs Commission, who praised Chang for his long-term experience in law.
"Chang has been an attorney-at-law for 37 years and his name is renowned in the field, especially in the area of human rights. Chang's deep belief in democracy was illustrated when he served as court martial defense counsel for the defendants arrested during the 1979 Kaohsiung Incident (
The Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Wanda-Zhonghe Line is 81.7 percent complete, with public opening targeted for the end of 2027, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) said today. Surrounding roads are to be open to the public by the end of next year, Hou said during an inspection of construction progress. The 9.5km line, featuring nine underground stations and one depot, is expected to connect Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station to Chukuang Station in New Taipei City’s Jhonghe District (中和). All 18 tunnels for the line are complete, while the main structures of the stations and depot are mostly finished, he
Taipei is to implement widespread road closures around Taipei 101 on Friday to make way for large crowds during the Double Ten National Day celebration, the Taipei Department of Transportation said. A four-minute fireworks display is to be launched from the skyscraper, along with a performance by 500 drones flying in formation above the nearby Nanshan A21 site, starting at 10pm. Vehicle restrictions would occur in phases, they said. From 5pm to 9pm, inner lanes of Songshou Road between Taipei City Hall and Taipei 101 are to be closed, with only the outer lanes remaining open. Between 9pm and 9:40pm, the section is
The first global hotel Keys Selection by the Michelin Guide includes four hotels in Taiwan, Michelin announced yesterday. All four received the “Michelin One Key,” indicating guests are to experience a “very special stay” at any of the locations as the establishments are “a true gem with personality. Service always goes the extra mile, and the hotel provides much more than others in its price range.” Of the four hotels, three are located in Taipei and one in Taichung. In Taipei, the One Key accolades were awarded to the Capella Taipei, Kimpton Da An Taipei and Mandarin Oriental Taipei. Capella Taipei was described by
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday hosted a reception to celebrate Double Ten National Day. Conservative Canadian lawmaker Marc Dalton called Taiwan a “beacon of courage and resilience in the face of rising authoritarianism,” according to a post on the Taiwan in Vancouver Facebook page. Also in attendance were fellow conservative caucus members Tako Van Popta and Chak Au, who said that Taiwan plays an “indispensable role” in ensuring global peace, prosperity and stability due to its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, it said. Canadian lawmaker Michael Cooper also recorded a message wishing Taiwan a
RSS