Taiwan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has implemented new rules affecting the eligibility of individuals born in China who wish to run for public office. The updated requirements mandate that these individuals must have officially canceled their Chinese household registration at least a decade before they can register as candidates in Taiwan. This new rule, according to the CEC, is grounded in existing legal interpretations rather than serving as a political maneuver.
In addition to the household registration cancellation, candidates must have maintained a household registration in Taiwan for a minimum of 10 years following the cancellation proof submission. These criteria aim to streamline the administrative processes and ensure that candidates have a longstanding commitment to their residence in Taiwan.
Beyond candidate eligibility, the CEC has expressed apprehension regarding proposed modifications to how referendum voting is conducted. The commission warns that these changes could complicate the election process, potentially leading to an increase in invalid ballots and delays in vote counting. Such alterations might even necessitate extending vote counting into the day after the election, posing further challenges for election officials.
Concerns also arise from the logistical and legal hurdles that could accompany implementing multiple referendum questions on a single ballot. CEC officials highlight the potential difficulties in recruiting election workers if these changes are enacted, as the complexity of the process may deter participation in administering the elections.