Japan Press Weekly

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2011 March 9 - 15 [GREAT EAST JAPAN DISASTER]

JCP proposes election delay to focus on disaster relief

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on March 14 called a press conference in the Diet building and proposed that the government postpone the simultaneous nationwide local elections starting with the official announcement scheduled for March 24 of the Tokyo gubernatorial election campaign.

He emphasized, “We should focus on relief efforts and reconstruction assistance for victims of the Great East Japan Disaster.”

The JCP chair stated, “The government is considering putting off the elections only in the disaster-stricken regions but the JCP calls for postponing the election nationwide.”

“Because,” he argued, “now is the time for the whole nation to concentrate on rescue and recovery, regardless of ideological differences. It’s not a good idea to hold the elections at such a tragic and catastrophic moment.”

Shii went on to say, “Policy options for the next legislative term of four years at each municipality should be discussed during the simultaneous nationwide local election campaigns. However, the present crisis situation makes it difficult for voters to calmly choose between policy options.”

Asked by reporters on proposed length of the postponement period, Shii answered, “Given the seriousness of the aftermath, I think a 6-month suspension may be necessary.”

JCP Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi immediately called on his counterparts in other parties to agree with the proposal.