TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – The public should have a day off before each election day as a “democracy holiday,” the Democratic Progressive Party said Saturday.
The proposal formed part of a package designed to strengthen democratic elections, per UDN. Both election day, which usually falls on a Saturday, and the previous day should be days off, the ruling party said.
In addition, the authorities should increase the frequency of public transportation during election time. Many voters, including students, have to travel long distances to cast a ballot in their hometown.
The DPP also demanded that national examinations not take place on election day or on the previous day, to allow people involved in the process to go out and vote.
The proposal would also apply to recall and referendum votes. The authorities would have the obligation of taking the necessary measures to help voters head home and were not allowed to interfere with the voting process.
