Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election set for July 12

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election set for July 12

The next Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election will be held on July 12, the Tokyo Metropolitan Election Management Council announced on January 21.

The Japanese Communist Party, which currently holds 13 seats in the 127-seat assembly, so far has announced 23 prospective candidates. The Liberal Democratic Party has 48, the Democratic Party 34, the Komei Party 22, the Tokyo Seikatsusha Network 4, and independents 4. Two seats are vacant.

The Liberal Democratic and Komei parties as well as the opposition Democratic Party have helped Governor Ishihara Shintaro to carry out cutbacks in social welfare, education, and assistance to small- and medium-sized enterprises while using huge amounts of tax money for urban development projects under the pretext of hosting the 2016 Olympic games.

Based on its thorough research, the JCP Metropolitan Assembly Members Group has criticized all the other parties for playing a role in promoting the policy of Governor Ishihara. The JCP, in cooperation with public efforts outside of the metropolitan assembly, has worked hard to realize people's demands, which include an increase in financial support for the medical treatment fees of school children and urgent measures for protecting employment.

Amid the economic downturn, as a political party that plays a key role in protecting livelihoods, jobs, and social welfare, it is important that the JCP win as many seats as possible in the July election.

- Akahata, January 22, 2009