The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Taiwan has implemented new rules that affect the eligibility of individuals born in China who wish to run for public office. According to these regulations, such individuals must provide proof that they canceled their Chinese household registration at least a decade before they can register as candidates in Taiwan. The commission emphasized that this requirement stems from existing legal interpretations and is not a political maneuver.
In addition to the household registration cancellation, prospective candidates must also demonstrate that they have maintained household registration in Taiwan for a minimum of 10 years following the submission of the cancellation proof. These measures aim to ensure clarity and compliance with the current legal framework governing candidacy eligibility in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, the CEC has voiced concerns over proposed amendments to the referendum voting process. The commission warned that these changes could complicate election management and lead to an increase in invalid ballots. Moreover, the adjustments might delay the vote-counting process until the day after the election, posing logistical difficulties.
Officials highlighted that implementing multiple referendum questions on a single ballot could present both practical and legal challenges. Specifically, they noted that complexities in the voting process might make it more difficult to recruit sufficient election workers, potentially affecting the overall efficiency of the election administration.