EDITORIAL | Constitutional Reform Must Be Next LDP Leader's Top Priority

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) recently held a meeting of its Headquarters for the Realization of Revision of the Constitution. At it, the members approved several proposals for constitutional reform. One proposal was the framing of a new article to the Constitution, tentatively dubbed "Article 9-2." It would explicitly recognize the existence of the Self-Defense Forces, and include provisions to serve as the basis for emergency government ordinances.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reviewed the current status, noting: "We have laid the groundwork for accelerating debate on multiple issues. These must be put to the voters in a national referendum and they must include the explicit mention of the Self-Defense Forces. We must advance the debate in one fell swoop." 

Kishida also urged whoever succeeds him as leader of the LDP to continue organizing these issues for discussion.

A National Referendum

Appropriately, a national referendum should be called to consider a package of constitutional reforms. And those should include provisions clearly recognizing the legality of the SDF. To that end, political parties that are positive about constitutional reform should quickly come together and create a forum for discussion between the ruling and opposition parties devoted to drafting these constitutional amendments.

Constitutional reform is a key element of the LDP's platform. Furthermore, it is one of the top issues in the upcoming party leadership election. 

Leadership Candidates Who Understand

Each candidate for LDP president should publicly clearly declare the time frame by which he or she intends to realize reform of the Constitution of Japan. 

Regarding clear recognition for the SDF in a new Article 9-2, the Reform Headquarters issued a comment. It concluded, "It was recognized that there is a consensus that it (the new article) should in principle be supported."  

However, it also noted that there had been support for the suggestion that official recognition of the SDF should be added to Article 5, which defines the duties of the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. It concluded, "This should not be excluded as an option."

Article 5 Alone is Insufficient

There is room for debate on where the article should be placed. However, in our view, clear mention of the SDF within the context of Article 5 would be insufficient. It must either be included in Article 9 itself or added to Article 9-2. 

The ultimate goal of constitutional reform in this area should be the elimination of the current language in Article 9-2 that "war potential will never be maintained." Nonetheless, clear recognition of the existence of the SDF would be highly significant as a major step towards that goal. 

A Constitution that Carries Through in Emergencies

The ability to issue emergency ordinances must also be stipulated in the Constitution. Within the Reform Headquarters, opinion was divided. Some believed extension of the terms of Diet members should be prioritized in the proposed constitutional amendments. Others thought it should be considered as a set with authorization for emergency government ordinances. No final decision was reached on this point. 

It would be unfortunate if the LDP tried to bend over backward to please the Komeito. While it is the LDP's coalition partner, it is not keen on providing for the possibility of emergency ordinances. 

However, in the event of a national crisis, the Komeito does not address the situation in which the Diet cannot convene. Under the current constitution, dealing with an emergency would be difficult, unless the Cabinet is given temporary authority to issue emergency ordinances and take other needed measures. 

The LDP has a duty to enact reforms to safeguard the nation. Therefore, it must persuade the Komeito on this point.

Kishida's Leadership

Kishida has also announced that he will not stand for reelection as LDP president. However, he has pledged to serve as a "foot soldier" on behalf of the new party leader. 

Perhaps the new party president could appoint Kishida as head of the Headquarters for the Realization of Revision of the Constitution.

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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)

Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun