“Chinese spouses” registered as candidates in the upcoming November 28 local elections must submit proof that they have given up their household registration in China for at least 10 years in order to be eligible to run. They must also not violate national security laws and other related regulations. That came from the Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑).

Twenty-six candidates originally from China and married to Taiwanese nationals, commonly called “Chinese spouses” in Taiwan, registered to run in the upcoming local elections, an increase of seven from the previous election.

Liang said that determining whether a candidate meets eligibility requirements is the responsibility of the Central Election Commission, but the MAC’s position and interpretation of the rules is clear. Candidates can run for office only after 10 years after they relinquish their Chinese household registration and must submit proof.