The Central Election Commission has confirmed that Taiwan will head to the polls on August 28 to take part in a national referendum on four issues. Voters will be able to cast their ballots between 8am and 4pm.
The first referendum question will ask respondents whether they agree that the government should completely ban pork containing ractopamine. Ractopamine is a leanness-enhancing additive added to pig feed in the USA and New Zealand, among other countries. However, it is banned in the majority of nations worldwide, including in the EU, China, and Russia.
The second is a question on referendum dates. It asks respondents whether referendums should be held on the same day as general elections. Supporters argue that this would raise turnout.
The third question asks respondents whether authorities should move a planned liquid natural gas terminal away from an algal reef in northern Taiwan. Government authorities say the terminal is necessary to prevent blackouts as Taiwan transitions away from coal and nuclear power. But opponents say the development risks causing serious harm to the local environment.
The final question asks respondents whether they agree that the government should continue with the construction of a nuclear power plant in northern Taiwan.
Hsinchu County in northwestern Taiwan will also vote on whether to separate the region’s wastewater from drinking water and water for irrigation.
The Central Election Commission says official results will be announced September 3, although unofficial results should be available on the night of the vote.