election

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

6 JCP candidates returned with most amount of votes

In the local assembly elections in six cities and three towns on February 12, 13 of the 16 Japanese Communist Party candidates were returned, including six candidates who recorded the most votes in their respective districts.

The JCP's share of the seats in these assemblies rose to 8.18 percent from 5.61 percent in previous elections.

In Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto Prefecture, the election was held in three constituencies which were formerly the three towns of Miwa, Yakuno, and Oe, each with two seats. JCP candidates won, and in Miwa and Yakuno, they polled the most votes.

Voters showed high expectations that the JCP will address their concerns about adverse effects the merger may have on residents, such as budget cuts in agriculture, welfare services, and disaster-prevention programs.

Former townspeople wanted bus services in remote areas to be continued, and popular traditions to be preserved, which the JCP took up in its platform.

The JCP received support from various circles, including leaders of agricultural associations and regional residents' organizations, as well as even from former conservative assembly members.

In Fukuchiyama, the JCP share of seats us now 18.75 percent, up from the previous 11.54 percent.

In Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, a JCP candidate was returned by receiving the most votes in the Shibushi constituency (16 seats) following the merger of three towns. In contests for 10 seats in an area of Odai Town, Mie Prefecture, and 4 seats in an area of Misato Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, JCP candidates were elected with the highest number of votes respectively.

In the Mitoyo City by-election for five seats in Kagawa Prefecture, the JCP got the highest number of votes, which was 4.49 times what the JCP polled in the constituency in the 2005 House of Representatives proportional representation election.
- Akahata, February 14, 2006