Opposition Rallying for Referendum on whether Chen should be removed from office

台湾反对党推动公投决定陈水扁是否下台

Opposition political parties in Taiwan are trying to gather support in the legislature for a nationwide referendum on whether President Chen Shui-bian should be removed from office. They have raised similar measures in parliament twice this year, but have failed to gain the two-thirds majority needed to create such a public vote.

Last week, prosecutors indicted his wife Wu Shu-chen, on embezzlement, forgery and perjury charges. Mr. Chen denies wrongdoing, but says he will resign if his wife is found guilty. Her legal proceedings could last more than a year. Critics say President Chen is stalling for time so he can enjoy the immunity from prosecution that goes with his office.

台湾反对派政党正在立法院争取支持，争取就陈水扁总统是否应下台举行全民公投。台湾反对党今年已先后两次在立法院提出过类似的议案，但是都因没有赢得举行公投所需要的三分之二多数而以失败告终。

台湾检方人员上星期起诉了陈水扁的夫人吴淑珍，指控她贪污、伪造文书和做伪证。陈水扁否认自己有任何违法行为，但表示，如果夫人吴淑珍被判有罪，他就会辞职。吴淑珍的法律诉讼程序可能会超过一年。批评人士说，陈水扁总统是在拖延时间，以便享受总统的刑事豁免权。