The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has revealed its six major campaign pledges for the upcoming House of Representatives election on October 27. One of these pledges is “observing the rules,” which reflects the party’s acknowledgment of the political funds scandal. The LDP leadership plans to endorse lower house members who were involved in the scandal, but certain conditions must be met. These conditions include receiving support from their constituents and submitting a written statement promising not to repeat their actions.
The LDP’s six major pledges are as follows: observing the rules, protecting people’s lives, protecting the country and its citizens, protecting the future, protecting regional areas, and pioneering a new era.
In regards to observing the rules, the draft mentions recent political funds scandals and emphasizes that the LDP will actively promote political and party reforms based on regret and a strong sense of morality. The party also aims to disclose how lawmakers use their monthly allowances for surveys, research, public relations, and accommodations. Any unused amount will be returned to state coffers.
To protect people’s lives, allowances will be provided for low-income households among other measures.
Regarding protection of country and citizens’ interests, there is recognition that a Taiwan contingency is becoming increasingly possible. As such, defense capabilities will be fundamentally strengthened. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called for revising Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement in order to achieve this goal.
For safeguarding future generations’ interests, higher education will be made free according to this draft.
To protect regional areas from decline or neglect by central government policies or initiatives; decentralization efforts such as encouraging companies to relocate their headquarters outside Tokyo are being proposed.
Lastly,the draft advocates early amendments to Japan’s Constitution in order pave way for new era
It should be noted that while lawmakers involved in political funds scandals may receive endorsement from LDP if they meet certain criteria; former Education Minister Hakubun Shimomura and former Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura – both suspended from party membership for one year – will not receive endorsements.
