In January the Legislative Yuan in Taiwan passed amendments to the Offshore Islands Development Act to allow casinos on the islands following a referendum to confirm the support of a minimum 50% of local voters. The government of Penghu County has long been lobbying for casinos on the remote islands to boost tourism. The referendum is due to be held next month but has now hit an unforeseen hurdle.

According to a report in the Taipei Times, Penghu County’s Civil Affairs Bureau Director, Chang Jui-tung, is quoted as saying that the number of signatures required by the country’s Referendum Act to start the referendum process have not been forthcoming. It will no longer be possible to hold a referendum on the casino question in June and the delay could be prolonged.

The Referendum Act stipulates that 0.5% of voters in the last county commissioner election must sign the referendum proposal, which was achieved in February. The second stage calls for 5% of the last county commissioner election voters to sign a petition to hold the referendum. The county government has been blamed for not being more active in publicising and promoting the casino legislation.

Although the Penghu government had been pressing for casino licensing for the offshore island, seeing it as a means to provide employment, attract more tourists and boost tax revenues, they have so far failed to encourage 5% of local voters to support the idea. If and when the referendum is held, they will have to convince over 50% of residents that casinos on Penghu will be profitable for all. So far it looks as though they will have an uphill battle to get even that far. (E-05.18.09)

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