TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A poll released Friday by the Taiwan Public Opinion Foundation found that 66% of the public support restarting the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant, the subject of a nationwide referendum on Aug. 23.

The survey, conducted over three days in early August, polled adults aged 20 and over nationwide. The sample was 70% landline and 30% mobile phone users, totaling 1,079 respondents, with a sampling error of 2.98% and a 95% confidence level.

The first question asked whether respondents were aware of the upcoming referendum on resuming operations at the decommissioned Maanshan plant. Results showed 68.5% were aware, 31.3% were not, and 0.1% refused to answer. TPOF Chair You Ying-lung (游盈隆) called the lack of awareness concerning, with only two weeks until the vote.

The second question asked: “Do you agree that the Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant should continue operations upon approval by the competent authority and confirmation that there are no safety concerns?”

Responses showed 38.7% strongly agreed, 27.7% somewhat agreed, 11.7% somewhat disagreed, 10.4% completely disagreed, 6.9% had no opinion, and 4.6% either did not know or refused to answer.

You said the results indicate a broad consensus in favor of restarting the plant under safety conditions, though the decision ultimately rests with the government and relevant authorities.