Electoral district plans set after passing of Local Government Act amendments

A 63-seat city council for Taichung metropolis

Words and photos by Taichung City Government
Translated by Naomi Lai

The newly-amended Local Government Act, relating to the consolidation of Taichung city and county, passed its third reading in the Legislative Yuan, settling much-discussed concerns regarding electoral districts for Taichung City councillors. Preliminary planning will follow the small electoral district system, setting up a total of 16 electoral districts for 63 seats, including six electoral districts for 25 seats in Taichung City; eight electoral districts for 36 seats in Taichung County; and two aboriginal electoral districts (highland and lowland). The upgrade of Taichung City's size and administrative status will raise its population to 2.6 million people and offer the opportunity to appoint three deputy city mayors.

Less electoral seats with small electoral district system
According to Taichung City Deputy Major James Hsiao, the normal electoral district system is similar to the legislator electoral district system. Currently, the decision is to use the small electoral district but cut the council's seats by half, so that one councillor will be elected per 42,657 people in Taichung City and per 42,849 people in Taichung County.

Taichung City will include three seats from the Central and West districts, four seats from East and South districts, six seats from Beitun district, three seats from North district, five seats from Xitun district and four seats from Nantun district in its distribution of six electoral districts and 25 seats. Each district with over four seats will include one reserved seat for female candidates, including the East and South districts, Beitun district, Xitun district and Nantun district.

Taichung County will elect 35 seats out of eight districts, and the original local government chiefs will be transferred to important positions in the districts, with exception of those prosecuted or suspended for criminal offenses or fraud, and those serving their second term or sitting as acting heads. Original local representatives will serve as political consultants for each district without title, but may receive stipends for attending meetings and for transportation.

Deputy Mayor Hsiao noted that councillors had been urging the city to expedite the publication of news concerning electoral district plans and councillor seats. Hopefully, by the end of February plans for the electoral districts will be finalized and then ratified by March by the Central Election Commission, providing prospective candidates for these seats with time to start their preparations early. Hsiao also said that any municipality directly under the jurisdiction of the central government with more than 2.5 million people could appoint three deputy mayors. As Taichung's total population after the consolidation will be 2.6 million people, it meets this condition. Because it is estimated that the city's population growth will not increase dramatically over the next half year, both the city councillor election and deputy mayor appointments may follow this plan.