Soon, voters in Taiwan will not just decide who leads their communities, but also weigh in on a slate of six national referendums. These votes, championed by the Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), will cover a range of pressing issues like energy, crime, and medical ethics. For the first time, the referendums will bypass the traditional requirement to gather signatures for inclusion on the ballot, instead being fast-tracked via a legislative majority.
One of the most contentious referendums will be about reversing the phase-out of nuclear power. The final operational reactor closed in May 2025. However, the ruling DPP and President Lai have recently floated plans to restart two reactors. Their reasoning centers on fears that liquefied natural gas, a key part of Taiwan’s energy grid, could be cut off during a conflict or invasion.
Energy Policy Debates
Though the Lai administration plans to temporarily use nuclear energy, it has not abandoned its long-term goal of eliminating nuclear power. Instead, it wants to blend nuclear with renewable sources. This shift has left some wondering whether the KMT’s referendum will gain traction if voters see the administration’s plan as a pragmatic move rather than a true reversal of policy.
The KMT’s other major push is on reinstating the death penalty. Public support for capital punishment remains high in Taiwan, and the KMT has used the issue in past campaigns. The Constitutional Court did limit the scope of the death penalty in 2024, but it did not abolish it. In early 2025, the first execution in five years was carried out, signaling a possible shift in judicial attitudes. The KMT accuses the DPP of enforcing a de facto moratorium, even as the law remains unchanged.
Another controversial KMT proposal involves caning as a legal punishment for serious crimes such as fraud and sexual assault. The idea is unusual, as there has been no notable public demand for it. Caning is generally reserved for nations with Islamic legal systems or former British colonies. Human rights experts have warned that implementing such a punishment could clash with the human rights conventions Taiwan has agreed to honor.
Controversial Legal Proposals
Despite these concerns, the KMT has refused to back down on the caning proposal. Party chair Cheng Li-wun initially tried to remove it from the list of referendums, but strong backing from the party’s legislative members forced the issue to remain on the agenda. Many observers see the push as a populist gesture, aimed more at rallying base support than addressing real policy needs.
A referendum on medical euthanasia has also been included, reflecting growing interest in the issue in recent years. While discussions about end-of-life choices have increased, there is no clear consensus in the public or across political lines. This vote is expected to serve more as a gauge of public opinion than a reflection of party positions.
Other Social and Infrastructure Issues
The final proposal involves road safety. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) has put forward a plan to allocate fines from traffic violations to local authorities for road improvements and transportation subsidies. Presented as a way to enhance pedestrian safety, the proposal aligns with recent criticism of Taiwan as a "pedestrian hell." Still, the move is likely part of a larger struggle between the pan-Blue camp, which controls the legislature, and the pan-Green DPP-led government over budget control and subsidies.
By bundling six referendums with the local elections, the KMT and TPP are testing whether voters will support their broader agenda. These votes will not only shape local governance but could also signal the extent of public support for the KMT and TPP’s more conservative and sometimes divisive policies.
The upcoming election is significant in a country where political dynamics are shifting rapidly. As Taiwan navigates complex issues from energy policy to human rights, these referendums will serve as a direct reflection of public will in the face of intense political contention.