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Labor Party leader, civic group apply to join CEC debates

"Political figures have manipulated the referendums for political gain."

Huang Kuang-kuo, Democratic Action Alliance convener

Labor Party chairman Wu Jung-yuan (吳榮元) and Huang Kuang-kuo (黃光國), convener of the Democratic Action Alliance, filed an application on Thursday with the Central Election Commission (CEC) for a chance to discuss their opposition to the two referendums on Taiwan's UN bid in five televised debates being organized by the commission.

The two referendums, which will be held alongside the March 22 presidential election, include one initiated by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on joining the UN using the name "Taiwan," and another initiated by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) on returning to the world body under the name "Republic of China" or any other practical name that upholds the nation's dignity.

Wu and Huang said they were representatives of an alliance formed last year by 10 civic groups to boycott both of the UN referendums.

The pair called on the public not to fill in referendum ballots next month and called the plebiscites non-issues trumped-up by the DPP and KMT to manipulate voters ahead of the presidential poll.

Wu said that the referendums had not been welcomed by the international community, adding that Washington had said holding a referendum on the nation's UN bid was causing unnecessary provocation and exacerbating cross-strait tensions.

"Political figures have manipulated the referendums for political gain," Huang said.

"Both Wu and I are ready for the debates. The DPP and the KMT have to make clear their stances," he said.

Huang said he would present arguments against the DPP referendum, while Wu would focus on the KMT version.

The CEC will hold five debates or presentations on the referendums on Feb. 27, March 1, March 2, March 5 and March 8.

CEC officials have said that the initiators of the referendums will argue for their proposals, while the Legislative Yuan, the Executive Yuan and civic groups may also present arguments. The legislature and the executive have not applied to participate and the alliance is the only civic group to do so.
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