 12,000 supporters resolved to work for major JCP advance in Tokyo's election Calling for a major Japanese Communist Party advance in the July 3 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election, the JCP held a big rally at Yoyogi Park on June 4. JCP Chair Shii Kazuo appealed to about 12,000 JCP supporters to make their utmost efforts to win the battle because its outcome will affect Tokyo's future as well as Japan's. Shii pointed out that the Liberal Democratic and Democratic parties are trying to force voters to choose either of the two "major parties" in the election even though their policies have little difference. He said that such a choice is like choosing between two department stores in the same shopping district. The real showdown will take place between the "All-are-ruling parties" and the JCP, he stressed. Shii raised the following three points as focal issues: First, Tokyo voters must choose a party that can effectively prevent living conditions from worsening, including opposing the ending of residence tax exemption for the elderly. Second, the JCP is the only party opposing the waste in the Tokyo water front development project which has already cost 2 trillion yen with a planned 1 trillion yen more in spending. The "All-are-ruling parties" all endorse annual luxurious overseas tours for representatives using public funds. Third, in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, the JCP is the only party to oppose the calls for an adverse constitutional revision in Tokyo led by Governor Ishihara Shintaro. "Let us increase the number of JCP seats in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly from the present 15 and remake Tokyo into a capital city representing peace and democracy," Shii said. All 43 JCP candidates from the 42 constituencies greeted the audience. - Akahata, June 6, 2005 |