TaiwanS ongoing efforts to strengthen its direct democracy framework took a meaningful step forward this month with the reinstatement of a system linking national referendums to presidential and legislative elections. The move, approved May 3, reverses a 2017 decision and aims to bolster voter participation in referendums, wich have historically faced challenges with low turnout when held separately [[1]]. This bipartisan legislative action signals a renewed focus on citizen engagement amidst a broader context of Taiwan’s vibrant political activism [[2]] and comes after the single referendum proposal approved in 2025 concerned the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant [[3]].
Taiwan Reinstates Link Between Referendums and Presidential Elections
Taiwan’s legislature has voted to reinstate a system linking national referendums to presidential and legislative elections, a move that proponents say will increase voter turnout and strengthen direct democracy. The decision comes after years of debate and follows a period where referendums were held separately, often with low participation rates.
The change, passed on May 3, 2024, reverses a 2017 amendment that decoupled referendums from major elections. Lawmakers from both the Democratic Progressive Party and the Kuomintang (KMT) supported the measure, signaling a rare bipartisan agreement. The Central Election Commission has stated it will abide by the law and administer elections accordingly.
Critics argue that tying referendums to elections could overshadow important policy questions with broader political considerations, hindering rational discussion. Some officials expressed concern that complex issues might be reduced to simple votes influenced by election-year dynamics.
Supporters, including legislator Huang Kuo-chang, contend the move will “break the birdcage referendum” and “truly return power to the people.” The term “birdcage referendum” refers to the perception that standalone referendums lack the visibility and engagement of those held alongside major elections.
The previous system of holding separate referendums was seen by some as contributing to low voter turnout. In 2018, concerns arose about potential disruptions during a major election, prompting discussions about the need for a more streamlined process. The reinstatement of the linked system aims to address these concerns and encourage greater public participation in direct democracy. This change underscores the ongoing efforts to refine Taiwan’s democratic processes and ensure broader citizen engagement.
