KMT Proposes Referendum on Corporal Punishment; CEC Chair Emphasizes Legislative Process

A referendum proposal to introduce corporal punishment, submitted by KMT lawmaker Hung Meng-kai and 51 others, has been added to the Legislative Yuan's agenda, drawing significant attention. Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairman You Ying-lung stated today that while it is uncertain whether the Legislative Yuan will pass the proposal, the CEC's principle is that "passage is the rule, and rejection is the exception" for referendums approved by the legislature. The Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee reviewed the 115th fiscal year budget for the CEC today, inviting You to report on operations. Regarding whether the referendum could coincide with year-end elections, You compared the proposal to a developing tropical cyclone, stating it would be closely monitored. On the issue of preventing election interference, You noted that the CEC is fully prepared and will work with national security units to counter potential foreign interference. According to the CEC's report, the budget execution rate as of the end of April was 82.61%. You encouraged his staff to approach their work with confidence and professionalism.