Taipei, Oct. 4 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian continued soliciting public support for his initiative Saturday to introduce a new constitution for Taiwan in 2006.
While visiting a nursing home for the elderly in Taipei County, Chen encouraged senior citizens to join the campaign for a new constitution to allow for establishment of a political framework that would fit Taiwan's present realities.
Chen made the visit as part of celebrations of the Chung Yang Festival -- the ninth day of the ninth moon on the lunar calendar -- that has been observed since 1966 to honor senior citizens. The festival fell on Saturday this year.
In addition to wishing all senior citizens a happy holiday, Chen took advantage of the occasion to enlist their support for his appeal for a new constitution.
Chen said many much-anticipated reforms, such as changes in the conscription system and lowering of the suffrage age, require constitutional amendments. "I hope all of the 23 million Taiwan people, regardless of their age, will contribute to the campaign to introduce a new constitution to facilitate national rejuvenation," Chen said.