April 13, 2016
Campaigning for the House of Representatives by-election slated for April 24 in the 5th Hokkaido District officially began on April 12. In the election campaign, an independent candidate backed by antiwar groups and four opposition parties, including the Japanese Communist Party, will engage in a one-on-one battle with a Liberal Democratic Party candidate.
In the kick-off rally, joint opposition candidate Ikeda Maki criticized the Abe administration for disregarding the general public opposition to the war legislation and for promoting other anti-people policies regarding nuclear power generation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and welfare services.
Ikeda promised to make the best use of the Constitution and establish welfare and education policies which include the creation of a tuition-free high school program.
Stating, “Without peace, it is impossible to achieve effective welfare services. Peace cannot be made by a force of arms,” Ikeda emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between citizens and opposition parties, and expressed her determination to work hard to win the election.
Former Sapporo City Mayor Ueda Fumio, who heads a local civil group opposing the war legislation and supporting Ikeda, stressed that this is the first national election which provides citizens with an opportunity to abolish the unconstitutional war legislation and bring constitutionalism back to Japan. “If Ikeda wins the election and people stand together nationwide, this will change Japan’s political landscape,” he added.
In support of Ikeda, members of an antiwar students’ group, SEALDs, and lawmakers of the JCP and the Democratic Party participated in the rally.
A woman, who came to the rally with her 3-year-old boy from Ebetsu City, said, “I’m really concerned about the government’s war-oriented policies. I support Ikeda who declares her intent to protect the peace.”
Past related article:
> JCP and DPJ in Hokkaido will field joint candidate in Lower House by-election [February 20, 2016]
In the kick-off rally, joint opposition candidate Ikeda Maki criticized the Abe administration for disregarding the general public opposition to the war legislation and for promoting other anti-people policies regarding nuclear power generation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and welfare services.
Ikeda promised to make the best use of the Constitution and establish welfare and education policies which include the creation of a tuition-free high school program.
Stating, “Without peace, it is impossible to achieve effective welfare services. Peace cannot be made by a force of arms,” Ikeda emphasized the need to strengthen collaboration between citizens and opposition parties, and expressed her determination to work hard to win the election.
Former Sapporo City Mayor Ueda Fumio, who heads a local civil group opposing the war legislation and supporting Ikeda, stressed that this is the first national election which provides citizens with an opportunity to abolish the unconstitutional war legislation and bring constitutionalism back to Japan. “If Ikeda wins the election and people stand together nationwide, this will change Japan’s political landscape,” he added.
In support of Ikeda, members of an antiwar students’ group, SEALDs, and lawmakers of the JCP and the Democratic Party participated in the rally.
A woman, who came to the rally with her 3-year-old boy from Ebetsu City, said, “I’m really concerned about the government’s war-oriented policies. I support Ikeda who declares her intent to protect the peace.”
Past related article:
> JCP and DPJ in Hokkaido will field joint candidate in Lower House by-election [February 20, 2016]
