Japan Election Campaigns Begin as PM Shigeru Ishiba Aims to Secure Party Majority

Post by: Pratik Kumar

Photo : AP

Campaigning has officially commenced in Japan for the upcoming election scheduled for October 27, with new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba aiming to secure a majority for his long-ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). As candidates began their campaigns, loudspeaker trucks circulated through neighborhoods while candidates distributed flyers to engage voters.

This election comes amid a backdrop of pressing issues, including rising prices, regional security challenges, and growing concerns over scandals associated with Ishiba’s party. The LDP, which has been in power for nearly all of the post-war era, has faced various leadership changes but remains a dominant force in Japanese politics.

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Despite ongoing concerns and a divided opposition, the LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, are poised for a likely victory, bolstered by low voter turnout. A recent poll conducted by Kyodo News revealed that the LDP maintains its status as the most favored political party, attracting 26.4% of voter intentions, while the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), lags behind at 12.4%.

Ishiba, a former defense minister and self-proclaimed security policy enthusiast, ascended to the party leadership in September and was swiftly appointed as Prime Minister. He has called for a snap election to solidify his mandate for a range of ambitious policies, which include revitalizing Japan’s depopulated rural areas as part of a broader initiative to "re-create" an aging Japan.

On the international front, Ishiba has advocated for revisions to the Japan-US security treaty, aiming to enhance Japan’s sovereignty within the framework of its security arrangements. He also supports the establishment of a regional military alliance similar to NATO as a countermeasure against China's growing influence, though he has emphasized that such an initiative would not materialize immediately.

For the upcoming election, Ishiba has outlined his "victory line" as the need for the LDP and Komeito to maintain a simple majority in the lower house of parliament. However, the party must address voter skepticism stemming from a recent slush fund scandal that has embroiled its ranks, along with questions regarding lawmakers' connections to the Unification Church.

To counter these challenges, Ishiba has promised to lead Japan out of deflation and to stimulate the economy with a new package aimed at boosting incomes, particularly for low-income households. 

Another contentious topic on the campaign agenda is the issue of women retaining their maiden names after marriage. This issue has gained traction among opposition parties, which seek to appeal to more liberal voters. According to the justice ministry, Japan is reportedly the only country that mandates married couples to select one surname, typically that of the husband. While the CDP supports allowing couples to keep separate surnames, the LDP has approached the issue with caution, citing traditional family values.

As the election date approaches, all eyes are on Ishiba and the LDP to see how they navigate these critical issues and whether they can maintain their grip on power amidst public discontent and shifting societal norms.

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