election

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

JCP makes advance in local assembly elections

In seven municipal assembly elections held on July 24, 16 JCP candidates were elected.

In the Misato City Assembly election near Tokyo, the JCP secured the six seats it previously held. Voter turnout was 47.28 percent, down 12 points from the previous election, and the JCP got 1.8 times as many votes it did in the last House of Councilors proportional representation constituency election.

The six candidates denounced the city's fiscal reconstruction plan as one of forcing every resident to pay an extra 40,000 yen in taxes over the next five years. They also criticized the mayor's extravagant business expenses which are about three times the Yokohama mayor's.

The JCP candidates appealed to the voters, saying, "Let's stop the large tax hike and defend citizens' livelihood and welfare!"

In the Matsuzaka City Assembly election in mid-western Japan, all four JCP candidates were returned to the assembly. The JCP's share of assembly seats has risen to 11.76 percent from 8.54 percent, obtaining the right to submit bills independently. -- Akahata, July 26, 2005