Taiwan’s 2016 presidential election will be held alongside legislative elections on January 16. The Central Election Commission (CEC) said on Monday that this is the most appropriate day to hold the elections.
The commission is defending its decision amid public concern that the date coincides with finals exams in most universities. That means many college students will not be able to travel back home to vote.
The CEC responded on Monday, saying that the education ministry has already asked universities to adjust their finals week schedule to enable students to vote. The CEC also said that under Taiwan’s election laws, legislative elections must be held by January 21st. Since most schools will have completed final exams by January 15th, the following day is the most appropriate time to hold the elections.