In Taiwan, the results of the referendum held on the 23rd (local time) showed that the reactivation of nuclear power plants, claimed by the main opposition party, the pro-China Kuomintang, was rejected.
According to the Central News Agency (CNA) and others, although the pro and con votes for the reactivation of the nuclear power plant, one of the agenda items of the referendum, saw more votes in favor than against, the pro votes did not meet the legal threshold and therefore did not pass. In Taiwan's referendum, there is a requirement that not only must there be more pro voters than against, but the pro voters must also exceed one-quarter of the total registered voters. However, as of 8 p.m. that day, the pro votes were approximately 4.3 million, more than the anti votes (about 1.5 million), but still fell short of the legal threshold (one-quarter of voters, about 5 million votes).
The Kuomintang has argued that the reactivation of nuclear power plants is essential for the semiconductor industry and national security. In contrast, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which has a pro-U.S. and independence stance, opposes the reactivation and upholds nuclear phase-out. Taiwan is the third country in the world to completely abolish nuclear power, following Germany and Italy. As a result, the referendum also raised opinions for and against the reactivation of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Hengchun, Pingtung County, which is Taiwan's last remaining nuclear plant and had its commercial operating license expire on May 17; however, the reactivation has become more difficult.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te noted after the referendum results came out, "I fully understand the social expectations for energy diversification," and added, "Nuclear safety is a scientific issue and cannot be wholly resolved by a single referendum."