May 23, 2023

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Koike Akira at a press conference held in the Diet building on May 22 highlighted the importance of the unity of pro-Constitution opposition parties and concerned citizens in national elections as a means to face off against the currently 4-party coalition (the Liberal Democratic Party, Komei Party, "Ishin" party, and the Democratic Party for the People).

Koike said this in relation to the remark that Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan head Izumi Kenta had made: “The CDPJ will not cooperate with or coordinate the selection of candidates with the JCP for a snap election.”

Koike said, "Our party keeps our doors open to other opposition parties, including the CDPJ, to discuss electoral cooperation." However, he added, "It will be absolutely essential for the central headquarters of each party to reach an agreement regarding joint struggles in a Lower House election since the election is a national election."

Koike stated that before forming joint electoral efforts, each party’s central headquarters must confirm its willingness to work together with other opposition parties and concerned citizens in a general election, forge a consensus on common policies, and adhere to the principle of mutual respect on an equal footing.

Regarding a policy consensus, Koike said, "It is a must for each party to oppose the Kishida government move to greatly expand Japan's military might and the move to allow Japan to attack enemy missile bases. It is also a must to defend the Constitution and protect constitutionalism." Regarding the principle of mutual respect on an equal footing, Koike said, "The JCP will not adopt a unilateral approach."

If the CDPJ does not change its stance of not working with the JCP in general elections, Koike said, "Our party will have no choice but to field our own candidates in all single-seat constituencies."