Taipei: Taiwan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) announced the organization of five public forums starting August 7 to discuss the proposal to restart the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. This initiative comes as part of the preparations for a public referendum concerning the issue.

According to Focus Taiwan, the forums, set for August 23, will include debates and public opinion sessions, all broadcast live on national television on August 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15. The Legislative Yuan will represent the supporting side, while the opposition’s perspective will be represented by the Cabinet or other approved offices.

Members of the public interested in participating in the public opinion sessions or serving as debate representatives must apply for approval from the CEC. This process involves setting up an office to promote their views, in accordance with the Referendum Act. Proponents of the proposal are required to register with the Legislative Yuan, which will recommend a list of representatives to the CEC by July 16. Conversely, the opposition will submit their list of representatives through the designated opposition representative.

The referendum, backed by the opposition, was approved on May 20 by the Legislative Yuan. This decision came shortly after the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant ceased operations on May 17, following the expiration of its 40-year operating license.

Additionally, the CEC decided on Friday that a referendum proposal to remove the requirement for a specific number of justices on the Constitutional Court to rule on a case adheres to relevant regulations. The list of verified signatories will be confirmed by household registration offices within 15 days.