The ruling and opposition parties have begun preparations for the upcoming lower house election, following the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The official campaign period is set to begin on Tuesday, with voting and ballot counting scheduled for October 27th. The violations of the Political Funds Control Law by factions of the Liberal Democratic Party have put political reform in the spotlight, intensifying the battle between the LDP-Komeito ruling coalition and opposition parties aiming to replace it.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is also the LDP president, made an unusual overseas visit to Laos after the dissolution of the lower house. He hopes to demonstrate his ability to lead by attending a summit related to ASEAN. Upon his return on Saturday, Ishiba plans to tour Japan and canvass for support for his party during official campaigning.
The LDP announced its campaign pledges on Thursday afternoon, emphasizing its commitment to political and party reform. Komeito leader Keiichi Ishii took to Tokyo’s streets in a speech near JR Akihabara Station, stressing that restoring trust in politics is crucial and can only be achieved by Komeito.
Opposition parties are also increasing their activities in order to expand their support base. Yoshihiko Noda, leader of Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), criticized LDP’s politics and money scandal during a street speech in Tokyo. Noda called for a change of government as he believes it is necessary for changing money politics and hereditary politics.
Fumitake Fujita from Japan Innovation Party (JIP) held a press conference at Diet building announcing their endorsement of former members from a party advocating free education including Seiji Maehara who has been seeking JIP membership outside Kinki region.
The Japanese Communist Party was set to announce its campaign pledges later that day while Yuichiro Tamaki from Democratic Party for People planned street speeches at nine locations in Tokyo.
In addition, campaigning officially began on Thursday for House of Councillors by-elections in Iwate constituency due to Megumi Hirose’s resignation as an upper house member who has also left LDP. The voting will take place on October 27th alongside House Representatives election.