DPP finalizes draft plan for government reform

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) said yesterday that it had finalized its proposal for a constitutional amendment, which includes a government structure that separates the administrative, legislative and judicial branches.

After yesterday's Central Executive Committee meeting, DPP Chairman Yu Shyi-kun said the party will offer the finalized version to the DPP caucus and district branches for discussion.

The party, however, did not decide whether its constitutional proposal should adopt a presidential or parliamentary system of government, he said.

The party will hold debates within a month on the two systems, he said.

"The more people participating in the debates, the better," Yu said, adding that he would not be a participant.

Supporters from the two sides will be represented by DPP legislators Gao Jyh-peng (高志鵬) and Lee Chun-yee (李俊毅). The debates will be organized by the Policy Research and Coordinating Committee.

Department of Culture and Information director Super Meng (孟義超) said many legislators were concerned about how differing opinions will be reconciled.

Legislators said that during the debate, officials should keep in mind that the Taiwanese have become accustomed to electing their presidents and might have difficulty adapting to a different system, Yu said.

Meanwhile, Yu said that the DPP was hoping to complete registration of candidates for the presidential and legislative elections by March or April and hold its primaries in May.

The plan has yet to be approved by the Central Executive Committee, Meng said.