The Central Election Commission (CEC) will pitch in more funds than ever on a get-out-the-voter drive for the May 14 National Assembly election in the hopes that the turnout rate will reach at least 40 percent.
The Commission Chairman Chang Cheng-hsiung (張政雄) made the remarks as the election commission unveiled its latest campaign ad asking voters to "go to the polls no matter how busy you are."
Chang said the May 14 election is crucial in terms of the nation's democratic development and its significance is no less than that of a presidential election.
Chang said the election will be different from previous ones in that voters will cast their ballots for political parties or civic groups instead of for individual candidates.
He also suggested five steps that voters should follow when choosing which of the 12 parties or civic groups to vote for.
First, it is important to understand all of the contents of the constitutional amendment package; second, understand the stances of each of the parties and civic groups on the package.
Third, understand their reasons for supporting or opposing the package; fourth, consider one's own views on the package.
Finally, choose the party or civic group that most closely represents one's own views.
Voter interest in the election has been lukewarm, Chang said, and that is why the commission is providing more funds to drum up enthusiasm.
The commission is even offering cash awards.
It will be holding a "lucky draw" for voters who go to the polls, with a top prize of NT$1 million (US$31,556) in cash.
Three second-prize winners will receive notebook computers, while other prizes include five digital cameras, eight mobile phones, 10 translation machines and 15 MP3 players.
The commission hopes to achieve a voter turnout rate of more than 40 percent, and that it "will not be satisfied with a figure lower than that," Chang said.
The mission of the National Assembly will be to consider a constitutional amendment package adopted by the Legislative Yuan last August.
The proposals include the following: the number of legislative seats will be reduced from the present 225 to 113, a "single seat, two votes" legislative electoral systemwill be adopted starting in 2007 and the assembly will be phased out in order to allow for referendums on future constitutional amendments.
The 300 delegate seats for the assembly will be allotted to the 12 parties and groups based on the proportion of votes they garner in the election.
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