Vote status in Ma-anshan revealed by CEC
In a nationwide referendum held on August 23, 2025, Taiwanese citizens had the opportunity to decide on the future of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant. The eligibility requirements for voting were the same as for any national referendum in Taiwan, requiring voters to be eligible Taiwanese citizens who are registered to vote in the referendum.
The question posed to the voters was straightforward: "Do you agree that the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operation upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns?"
Despite a majority of those who voted supporting the restart of the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, the referendum failed to meet the minimum turnout threshold of 25% of all eligible voters needed for validation. This means that although many voted "yes," the total number of votes cast was insufficient for the referendum result to be legally binding.
The end of power generation at the plant in May means Taiwan currently has no operating nuclear power facilities. The failure of the referendum may impact the resilience of the electricity grid and cost efficiency, as the move aligns with the Democratic Progressive Party's policy of phasing out nuclear power.
The number of people eligible to vote in the referendum was 20,000,020, translating to 5,000,523 votes as part of a majority for the referendum to succeed. To pass, votes in favor would have to account for more than a quarter of the total eligible voters and outnumber the votes against, as stipulated by the Referendum Act.
The referendum was held alongside the second wave of recall votes targeting seven KMT lawmakers. The recall votes are in response to a landslide failure last month, when civic groups and the DPP attempted to recall 24 KMT lawmakers and suspended Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao, a former TPP member.
The TPP proposed the referendum on the Ma-anshan plant in the legislature in April, and the bill passed in May with the Chinese Nationalist Party's (KMT) backing. The Nuclear Safety Commission would stipulate procedures that Taiwan Power Co should follow to conduct safety inspections at the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant, should the referendum pass.
Premier Cho Jung-tai emphasized the need for a proper disposal of nuclear waste and for people in Taiwan to reach a consensus on these critical issues. Cho also stated that he would vote in the referendum and cherishes every opportunity to do so, while also stating that he believes in science and the government would follow procedures to conduct safety inspections at the power plant to ensure it would operate safely if the referendum passes.
The Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant is located in Pingtung County's Hengchun Township. Notable figures supporting an extension of the Ma-anshan Nuclear Power Plant's service include Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang and Pegatron Corp chairman Tung Tzu-hsien. President William Lai, on the other hand, has stated that he would vote "no" in the referendum.
None of the seven lawmakers involved in Saturday's recall are considered at risk of losing their seats. Additional reporting by Liu Wan-ling. Cho also emphasized the need for a proper disposal of nuclear waste and for people in Taiwan to reach a consensus on these critical issues.
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