Referendum

A proposed referendum to introduce caning as a criminal penalty could be held alongside year-end elections, though the measure remains under development, the Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairperson Michael You (游盈隆) said Wednesday. KMT Legislator Hung Mong-kai (洪孟楷) and 52 other lawmakers have proposed the caning referendum, seeking to add caning to the list of special criminal punishment for offenses including sexual assault, child abuse, large-scale fraud, and aggravated compound fraud. Speaking before a legislative committee session, You said the proposal is still in formation and that the CEC will monitor its progress. When asked whether it could be tied to the local elections, he responded, “Since it's still in the process of forming, we don’t know what the final outcome will be, but we will pay close attention.” He reiterated that for referendum proposals passed by the Legislature, the CEC will handle them according to the law, maintaining that “approval is the principle, rejection is the exception.” Lawmakers also raised concerns about costs and legal risks. You noted that a single referendum costs NT$1 billion (US$32 million) and said that any potential harm resulting from caning would need to be considered. He added that the CEC will remain neutral until the proposal’s legislative outcome is clear.