A failed referendum to restart a nuclear power plant will increase pressure on Taiwan¡¯s leader to find ways to meet the island¡¯s rising energy needs as he balances demands of an expanding chip industry, party policies and concerns over catastrophic accidents.
Only about 22% of eligible voters on Saturday voted in favor of restarting the Maanshan nuclear plant, missing the 25% threshold for it to pass. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te held a news conference as results trickled in to show the measure failed, stressing the importance of safety issues in restarting Taiwan¡¯s nuclear program.
Of the ballots cast, about 74% were in favor of restarting the plant, but the measure still fell short of the required threshold by roughly 650,000 votes, partly due to low turnout.
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