A Circus of Bizarre and Unorthodox
The recent Tokyo gubernatorial election was a spectacle of bizarre moments and unorthodox candidates, raising concerns about the need for changes to the Public Offices Election Law.
A Flood of Non-Political Ads and Lurid Themes
The election was marked by an abundance of non-political advertisements and lurid themes, leading political parties to call for revisions to the law.
Challenges Posed by a Record Number of Candidates
A record-breaking 56 candidates ran for governor, creating logistical challenges for election officials. The law mandates equal-sized spaces for campaign posters on billboards, but many billboards lacked sufficient space. This led to the creation of makeshift slots, which were often used for non-political purposes.
Exploiting Election Freedom for Personal Gain
NHK kara Kokumin wo Mamoru To, a political organization, fielded 24 candidates and sold their allocated poster spaces to donors. This resulted in the display of pictures of cats and dogs, advertisements for local businesses, including sex-industry services, alongside campaign posters of actual candidates.
Bizarre Broadcasts and Public Complaints
The oddities extended beyond posters. Candidates were allotted equal time for speeches on television broadcasts, where one female candidate removed her clothing and another simply screamed at the camera. The Election Administration Commission received over 1,200 complaints and inquiries from residents about the posters within the first two days of the campaign.
Calls for Review and Cautious Approach
Major parties, including the LDP and Komeito, have called for a review of the law. However, others, like the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, advocate for careful discussions to avoid excessive intervention by public authorities. Experts emphasize the need to address the issue while avoiding further restrictions that could make elections more difficult.
The Tokyo gubernatorial election highlighted the need for a balance between freedom and regulation in elections. Addressing the concerns raised by the recent election will require careful consideration and a collaborative effort from political parties, experts, and the public.