A referendum aimed at reopening Taiwan‘s last nuclear plant, the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, has failed to reach the required threshold, despite a clear majority of voters backing the proposal.
According to the Central Election Commission, approximately 4.3 million people voted in favor of reopening the plant, while 1.5 million voted against it.
However, the motion required the backing of at least 5 million registered electors, equivalent to one-quarter of the total, to pass under electoral law.
Taiwan’s President, Lai Ching-te, expressed understanding for the public’s desire for diverse energy options, stating, “if, in the future, the technology becomes safer, nuclear waste is reduced, and societal acceptance increases, we will not rule out advanced nuclear energy.”
The government’s current stance prioritizes safety concerns associated with nuclear power generation in earthquake-prone Taiwan and the challenges of handling nuclear waste.
The Maanshan nuclear power plant was closed in May as part of the government’s shift towards renewable energy sources and liquefied natural gas.
Proponents of the referendum, including the small Taiwan People’s Party and the larger Kuomintang (KMT), argued that reliable power supplies were essential for Taiwan’s needs.
In contrast, civic groups backing the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) raised concerns about the lawmakers’ proximity to China and alleged attempts to obstruct government spending and legislation.
In a separate vote, electors rejected the recall of seven KMT legislators. A larger recall vote to oust 24 lawmakers from the same party also failed last month.
President Lai Ching-te mentioned that Premier Cho Jung-tai had requested to resign after the failure of the recall votes in July, but he had asked Cho to stay on. A cabinet reshuffle is planned to enhance the team’s efficiency and governance effectiveness.
