Taipei: Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation Chairman Michael You and Soochow University law professor Hu Po-yen have been nominated to serve as chairman and vice chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), the Executive Yuan announced. The nominations are part of a broader effort to fill key positions within the commission, which currently lacks the minimum number of commissioners required to convene meetings and make resolutions.
According to Focus Taiwan, other nominees include lawyer and former lawmaker Huang Wen-ling, former Taoyuan mayor Chen Tsung-yi, and China University of Science and Technology Vice President Lee Li-chung. Additional nominees are Fooyin University professor Su Jia-hong and Soochow University professor Su Tzu-chiao.
The current situation at the CEC is urgent, as the commission only has four active commissioners, falling short of the minimum five needed for decision-making. The urgency is compounded by the expiration of the four-year terms of six commissioners, including Chairman Lee Chin-yung and Vice Chairman Chen Chao-chien, whose terms ended on November 3. Additionally, former commissioner Meng Chih-cheng resigned in June amid a corruption investigation.
Premier Cho Jung-tai selected the nominees based on recommendations from various parties, aiming for a bipartisan composition with strong theoretical and practical expertise, and experience in both central and local governments, Cabinet spokesperson Michelle Lee explained. Lee Li-chung and Su Jia-hong were recommended by the KMT, while Su Tzu-chiao was recommended by the TPP.
If the nominations are approved by the Legislature, the new commissioners will serve until November 3, 2029, except for Chen Tsung-yi, who will complete Meng's term until November 3, 2027. Michael You, a former DPP member known for his critical stance towards the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, is perceived as having an independent viewpoint, which might facilitate his confirmation despite political divisions within the government.
The opposition Taiwan People's Party (TPP) expressed a relatively positive reaction to the nominations but emphasized the importance of thorough legal review. TPP Legislator Chang Chi-kai noted that the Cabinet had consulted the opposition regarding the nominations and praised You's objective stance.
Similarly, KMT lawmaker Lo Chih-chiang expressed a willingness to consider the nominations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining neutrality in election affairs. The KMT's response marks a departure from its usual stance of outright dismissal in similar situations, suggesting a potential shift towards collaboration in confirming nominees for the CEC.