The referendum proposal for protecting algae reefs in Tao-yuan's Da-tan is
expected to secure 350-thousand signatures by the end of today.

The means it has already passed the second-phase threshold and will almost
certain be included in the referendum vote on August 28th.

Protecting algae reefs is just one of the referendum drives pushed by the KMT
and civil groups.

The opposition party launched two early this year, one is an anti-ractopamine
pork initiative, and the other asks voters if they agree that the referendum
vote should go together with general elections.

Signatures for the ractopamine pork one already exceeded 700-thousand, and
for the timing of the referendum vote, more than 670-thousand, way above the
2nd-phase threshold of 290-thousand.

The fourth referendum seeks voters' opinion on whether the number 4 nuclear
power plant should be reactivated.

According to the Central Election Commission, each referendum will cost the
national coffers 180 million NT to hold.

(JL)