election

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

Voter disparity widens between constituencies

Voter disparities in electoral districts has widened in House of Representatives single-seat constituencies as well as in House of Councilors constituencies.

The finding is based on the national census provisional report published by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry on December 27.

The maximum voter disparity for the Lower House single-seat constituency increased to 2.2 times, and for the Upper House, to 5.17 times.

A law requires that the maximum voter disparity between House of Representatives single-seat constituencies remains below 1:2. However, the number of constituencies with more than 1:2 disparity has increased to 48 from 9 in 2002.

The Supreme Court in January 2004 ruled that the maximum voter disparity of 5.06 percent in the House of Councilors election could be "unconstitutional." The latest finding of the disparity at 1:5.17 means that the disparity remains unconstitutional.

Koike Akira, leader of the Japanese Communist Party Dietmembers in the House of Councilors, on the same day commented on the finding, saying, "Correcting the disparity immediately is required." He also said that the ruling parties' draft for remedy is inappropriate for achieving equality in the vote value in view of what the Constitution demands. Koike called for consultations to be continued.
- Akahata, December 28, 2005