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Parliamentary Reform of 2008 147
IV. Conclusion
Not much parliamentary reform was done in the
year 2008. The sixth Legislative Yuan started amending
a series of its organic law and bylaws after the constitutional
amendment of 2005 mandates the halving of its
seats from 225 to 113. The seventh Legislative Yuan
picked up where it was left off. So far, however, inter-party
consultation has been made transparent, the
cool-down period in that consultation is shortened to
one month, resolutions can be initiated without endorsements,
and the president is required to deliver a
State of the National message on its floor.
of the president of the Republic to dissolve the Legislative
Yuan, and its power to force the president of the
Executive Yuan to resign.
Efforts were made in 2008 to legalize the Legislative
Yuan’s power of investigation, extend parliamentary
oversight over conclusion of agreements between
Taiwan and China, and have the whole procedure of
legislation televised live to ensure transparency.
Aside from completing the unfinished reform
work, the Legislative Yuan has to try to amend its organic
laws and bylaws in the year 2009 to make itself
better cope with the problems arising from the reduction
by half of its seats. It should consider enabling a
Member to sit on two committees, organizing special
committees, reviewing the current interpellation procedure,
allowing open ballot for confirmation of nominations
for government offices, and electing committee
chairmen in lieu of conveners. It should also consider
whether to adopt seniority in choosing committee
chairmen, provide checks for the presidential declaration
of an emergency decree, amend the procedure to
impeach the president of the Republic, give its speaker
the power to use police force on the floor, extend the
restrictions on the conflict of interests, and tighten the
discipline on errant Members.
Moreover, the Legislative Yuan may consider an optimum
number of its seats and a readjustment of requirements
for impeaching and recalling the president
of the Republic. Also necessary is an overall review of
the constitutional stipulations governing the appointment
of the president of the Executive Yuan, the power