The Central Election Commission (CEC) will continue to discuss the March 20 referendum with Miaoli County election officials, commission Chairman Huang Shih-cheng (
Huang declined to comment on the decision made by the county's Election Commission on Monday that the Miaoli officials will submit a proposal to the Executive Yuan requiring the CEC to either allow for the separate polling stations for the presidential election and the referendum, or cancel the referendum altogether to avoid confusion or trouble from occurring on election day.
PHOTO: FU CHAO-PIAO, TAIPEI TIMES
Huang said the CEC has not been heard from the Miaoli commission yet about its opinions on the referendum.
The chairman of the county's Election Commission, Ku Chen-ching (古鎮清), said that he does not exclude the possibility of stepping down from his post if the Executive Yuan refuses to adopt his group's suggestion because the group will stick to its resolution.
Ku said last Friday that the county commission had decided to let Miaoli voters cast their ballots for the presidential election and the referendum at different polling stations based on the notion that different laws apply to the two events.
Ku said the move is aimed at reducing any risks, simplifying the procedures for casting ballots and allowing the voting to be carried out smoothly.
Ku said that if the move to separate the polling stations is not accepted by the central government, he will take full responsibility.
Commenting on the county's plans for separate polling stations, Huang said last Friday that all local governments should follow the CEC's regulations on election and voting affairs.
Premier Yu Shyi-Kun also called for local government authorities to observe the CEC regulations for the election and referendum.
"Any local governments or civil servants who violate the CEC's regulations will be dealt with squarely and will be held legally responsible for their actions," Yu said.
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