LDP Faces Uphill Battle
The first Diet elections since the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) political fund scandal broke have begun, and the ruling party is already facing an uphill battle. Political reform has become the central theme of the campaign speeches in the Lower House by-elections in Shimane No. 1, Nagasaki No. 3, and Tokyo No. 15 districts.
The elections in Nagasaki and Tokyo were triggered by the resignation of LDP lawmakers embroiled in scandals. The party's inability to field candidates in these districts has effectively handed them two losses before the actual vote. This has shifted the spotlight to the Shimane No. 1 district, where the LDP is desperately trying to hold onto its seat.
A loss in Shimane would further weaken Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's authority and potentially impact his strategy for the LDP presidential election in autumn. The ruling coalition parties are actively discussing ways to strengthen the Political Fund Control Law to prevent future financial irregularities among politicians.
The by-elections will serve as a gauge of public sentiment towards the LDP's reform efforts and their overall stance on "politics and money." Voting for all three elections will be held on April 28.
In the Shimane No. 1 district, the LDP has fielded Norimasa Nishikori, a former head of the Finance Ministry's Chugoku Local Finance Bureau. The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is backing Akiko Kamei, a former Lower House member. Both candidates are emphasizing the need for political reform and vowing to restore public trust.
The Tokyo No. 15 district by-election features a crowded field of nine candidates, including Tsukasa Akimoto, a former Lower House member convicted of bribery. The Conservative Party of Japan, a new political organization, is also making its debut in this election with Akari Iiyama as their candidate.
The Nagasaki No. 3 district by-election pits former Lower House member Katsuhiko Yamada of the CDP against Shoichiro Inoue, backed by the opposition Nippon Ishin no Kai party. Both candidates are campaigning on a platform of political reform and change.
The outcome of these by-elections will have significant implications for the LDP's future and the direction of Japanese politics. The public's verdict on the party's handling of the political fund scandal and its commitment to reform will be closely watched.