Taipei: Taiwan's Legislature has approved three referendum proposals put forward by the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), setting the stage for potential referendums to coincide with the Nov. 28 local elections.

According to Focus Taiwan, the three approved proposals address the allocation of traffic fines, the introduction of judicial caning as a form of criminal punishment, and the repeal of Taiwan's non-nuclear energy policy. However, a TPP proposal to legalize euthanasia did not pass.

The traffic-fine proposal, which originated from the TPP legislative caucus, suggests that government revenue from traffic violation fines should be used to enhance road safety and subsidize public transportation, rather than increasing automated traffic enforcement. This proposal passed with a vote of 59-51 from the 110 lawmakers present.

The KMT's proposal to introduce caning as a punishment for specific crimes such as sexual assault and fraud passed narrowly with a 52-51 vote. Additionally, the KMT's proposal to abolish Taiwan's non-nuclear energy policy also passed with a 59-51 vote, with support from the TPP.

A separate proposal by the TPP to legalize euthanasia under a regulatory framework for those suffering from incurable diseases and unbearable pain did not pass, receiving only 7 votes in favor as KMT lawmakers abstained.

Under the Referendum Act, the approved proposals must be submitted to the Central Election Commission (CEC) within 10 days. The CEC is required to announce the referendum questions at least 90 days before the election day. CEC Chairman Michael You indicated that the commission would review the proposals promptly, but could not predict how many would qualify as decisions are made collectively.

If approved, holding the referendums alongside the Nov. 28 elections could increase election-related spending by approximately NT$1.4 billion (US$44.5 million), according to You. Costs could range from NT$1.1 billion for one referendum to about NT$1.4 billion for three.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), despite controlling the government, criticized the KMT and TPP for opting to use referendums rather than legislation. DPP caucus chief Chuang Jui-hsiung pointed out that while the opposition holds a legislative majority, they have not legislated on these issues, preferring to take them directly to the voters.