Japan Press Weekly

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2009 July 22 - 28 [ELECTION]

JCP chair proposes holding public debates between party leaders

At a news conference on July 26 in Niigata City, Shii stated, “Voters in the upcoming general election will exercise their sovereign power to pass a verdict on the LDP-Komei government and choose a new direction for Japanese politics in the 21st century. It will be a historic political battle.”

“It is the responsibility of all parties to explain their election platforms before the public, provide voters with sufficient information to help them make a decision, and make clear what the party position on election issues are,” Shii said.

In order to hold debates in a fair and democratic way, he called on six parties to jointly propose that Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK) and other broadcasters air election debates by party heads in addition to the one that the Japan National Press Club will host.

Such debates should take place several times before and after the official announcement of the election. - Akahata, July 27, 2009