Shigeru Ishiba tries out his new desk as LDP leader on the day he announces he will call a general election for October 27. (©Sankei by Ataru Haruna)
On September 30, before he was appointed prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba announced that he would call an election for the Lower House on October 27. His statement came just as he became the newly elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
Such a general election should constitute a referendum on the government's policy. In principle, there is nothing wrong with calling an election when a new prime minister takes office. In this case, however, aren't things being done in too much of a rush?
At Odds with Himself
During the LDP leadership election, Ishiba suggested that it would be better to hold a general election after debates with the opposition in the Diet. Now, after being elected party president, he is calling for a quick election on October 27. That would result in a very tight schedule for the Diet. Moreover, it is unlikely that adequate debate would be possible.
This is a complete reversal of Ishiba's past stance.
At a debate hosted by the Japan National Press Club on September 14, Ishiba said: "It is the prime minister's responsibility to provide the public with the information they need to make their own judgments. The real discussion takes place in the [Diet] budget committees. I won't say that the Diet should be dissolved right away."
Many voters might have concluded that Ishiba was drawing a distinction between his position and that of Shinjiro Koizumi. Ishiba's rival for LDP leader, Koizumi was calling for an early election.
Too Short for Debate
The LDP has now proposed to the opposition parties that the extraordinary Diet session, which was convened on October 1, run until October 9. Ishiba is expected to deliver the Prime Minister's policy speech on October 4. After that, he is expected to participate in question sessions in both chambers of the Diet from Monday, October 7.
Of course, there is talk of holding budget committee meetings and a debate between party leaders. However, if the schedule runs only until October 9, the time for these will necessarily be extremely short.
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the leading opposition party, immediately voiced opposition to the LDP plan.
At the press conference when he was inaugurated as party president, Ishiba said, "The LDP must be a humble political party." If that is so, shouldn't he welcome an open debate with the opposition in the budget committee?
Need to Demonstrate Inclusivity
Ishiba may hope to ride to victory in a general election on the momentum from launching his new administration. But if the Prime Minister's actions are viewed as inconsistent with his words, public expectations may be dampened.
Meanwhile, the four top LDP officials who will support Ishiba have been appointed, and the makeup of his Cabinet has been finalized. But the lineup hardly is representative of the entire LDP.
It is difficult to understand why Sanae Takaichi, former Minister of State for Economic Security, was not offered the post of secretary general of the LDP. Ishiba's victory over her was decidedly narrow in the runoff election.
Following Abe's Example
The contrast is stark from what happened after former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe beat Ishiba in the 2012 LDP presidential election. In that case, Ishiba lost in the runoff election. However, Abe appointed him as party secretary general.
Ishiba needs to bring the Diet members, party members, and friends of the LDP who supported Takaichi into the fold. If he does not, it will be difficult for the party to unite for the October 27 election.
In the Lower House election, all political parties and candidates must compete. They must present their policies to voters and explain how they will protect Japan's independence and prosperity.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
