2008 Taiwanese United Nations membership referendum

Nationwide referendum proposal 5

22 March 2008
In 1971, the People’s Republic of China joined the United Nations, replacing the Republic of China and causing Taiwan to become an orphan in the world. To strongly express the will of the people of Taiwan to enhance Taiwan’s international status and participation in international affairs. Do you agree that the government should apply for UN membership under the name "Taiwan"?
Outcome	Proposition failed due to low turnout
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 5,529,230 94.01% No 352,359 5.99% Valid votes 5,881,589 94.84% Invalid or blank votes 320,088 5.16% Total votes 6,201,677 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 17,313,854 35.82%

Nationwide referendum proposal 6

22 March 2008
Do you agree that our nation should apply to return to the United Nations and join other international organizations based on pragmatic, flexible strategies with respect to the name [under which we apply to and participate in them]? That is: Do you approve of applying to return to the United Nations and to join other international organizations under the name “Republic of China”, or “Taiwan”, or other name that is conducive to success and preserves our nation’s dignity?
Outcome	Proposition failed due to low turnout
Results
Choice Votes % Yes 4,962,309 87.27% No 724,060 12.73% Valid votes 5,686,369 91.91% Invalid or blank votes 500,749 8.09% Total votes 6,187,118 100.00% Registered voters/turnout 17,313,854 35.74%

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Two referendums on United Nations membership applications were held in Taiwan on 22 March 2008, the same day as the presidential elections.^[1]

The first referendum question, supported by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of President Chen Shui-bian,^[2] asked whether voters agree that the government should seek United Nations membership under the name "Taiwan".^[1] The second referendum question, supported by the Kuomintang (KMT), which on the same day won the presidential election,^[2] asked whether voters supported "our nation" seeking to "return" to the United Nations and join other international organisations under "flexible and practical strategies", including joining as "Republic of China", "Taiwan", or any other name that aids success and national dignity.^[1]

Although large majorities voted in favour of both proposals, the referendums were invalidated as voter turnout was just 36%, well below the 50% required. In contrast, the simultaneous presidential elections had a turnout of 76%.