JCP proposes holding debates among party leaders

Japan Press Weekly

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

JCP proposes holding debates among party leaders

The Japanese Communist Party on June 17 made a proposal to other political parties to hold debates among party leaders in order to debate the major issues in the upcoming House of Councilors election.

The proposal calls for the holding of several debates between party leaders to be hosted by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) as well as commercial broadcasting stations both before and after the official start of the election campaign, and convening meetings of party officials and in order for the debates to be realized.

Officials of other parties responded positively to the proposal as DPJ Diet affairs chief Tarutoko Shinji said, "I fully understand the point you are making and will make an effort to push for it."

Shii, at a press conference held at the JCP head office in Tokyo, emphasized the importance of the Upper House election, saying it is the first time for the Japanese people to vote in the national election since the DPJ-led government was formed after the House of Representatives election last year. "Through the debates, we will be able to clearly present our position on the main issues to the public," added Shii.

The Upper House election is to be held on July 11 after being officially announced on June 24.

-Akahata June 18, 2010