Taiwan parliament approves three referendums

On August 14, 2026, Taiwan's opposition-controlled parliament voted to hold three referendums, including one on caning criminals convicted of sex crimes and fraud, another to support nuclear power by abolishing the 'nuclear-free homeland' policy, and a third on designating traffic fines for road safety improvements. The referendums were proposed by the Republic of China — Kuomintang (KMT) and the Taiwan — Taiwan People s Party (TPP), while the ruling Taiwan — Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) voted against all three. The referendums are likely to be held on November 28, the same day as local elections, to boost turnout. They still require formal approval by the election commission, and passing them requires at least 25% of eligible voters to vote in favor. A previous referendum to reopen Taiwan's last nuclear plant failed in August 2025 due to insufficient turnout.