Second half of unified local elections starts

Candidates in the second half of Japan's simultaneous local elections started their campaigns on April 20. Voting will take place on April 27.

Campaigning began across the nation for mayoral elections in 123 cities and for city assembly elections in 387 cities.

In Tokyo, elections will be held for heads of 14 wards and 21 ward assemblies.

The Japanese Communist Party stands 153 candidates for ward assemblies and 1,111 for city assemblies, including three for by-elections.

JCP Chair Shii Kazuo started his stumping tour in Funabashi City in Chiba Prefecture. He said that the JCP is the only political party that has the capacity to reduce residents' burdens for the national health insurance and the nursing-care insurance system, and solve problems of child care centers, schools, and garbage collection in residents' interests.

Town and village mayors and assembly members will start campaigning from April 22.

Four by-elections for the national parliament, including one in Tokyo's 6th constituency (Setagaya Ward) will also be held on April 27. (end)