Groups push for referendum on U.S. beef

The Consumers Foundation, the John Tung Foundation, and several other private organizations launched the campaign on Nov. 2. A total of 4,329 eligible voters have signed up so far.

Organizers said yesterday that they aim to solicit endorsements from 120,000 people before Nov. 14, although the requirement for passing the first hurdle for the referendum is set at 86,608 signatures.

Officials at the Consumers Foundation said they need more supporters to place their names on the list because the Central Election Commission, which is empowered to screen all referendum proposals, has customarily eliminated unqualified names during its review process.

The referendum is being aided by the opposition Democratic Progressive Party which is seeking to revise existing regulations for a direct ban on certain beef products plus a separate campaign to force a negotiation of a trade deal between Taiwan and the U.S.

Lawmaker Lu Hsiu-yen of the ruling Kuomintang was among the prominent figures who have signed up for holding a referendum on the beef trade for the sake of safeguarding the people's health and safety.

Lu said she will provide solicitation service at her campaign headquarters and service stations for people who support the referendum. A referendum will effectively force the government to conduct new talks and revise unfair beef deals with the U.S., she said.

Lu also expressed the hope that her colleagues in the Legislative Yuan will also take part in the movement of seeking a referendum in order to protect their constituents' health.

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