Tokyo Election Chaos Sparks Concern and Calls for Reform

On July 7, Tokyo residents headed to the polls to elect a new governor for the giant metropolis. With higher voter turnout than the previous election, Yuriko Koike easily won a third term as Tokyo governor. Meanwhile, newcomer Shinji Ishimaru unexpectedly claimed second place ahead of Renho Saito, surprising pundits. However, another notable aspect of the Tokyo election was the campaign chaos. 

Election poster board hijacking was rampant during the campaign period. Some of the 56 candidates who ran in the election were not even human (namely, the "AI Mayor" candidate). Others had much to show (quite literally) but little to say, while one candidate campaigned from behind bars.

What is happening to the Tokyo electoral process?

NHK Party Sabotage Tactics

Interference incidents also marred Tokyo's April by-elections. Additionally, certain small political parties created confusion in the Tokyo gubernatorial election. For example, the NHK Party fielded as many as 24 candidates. Party leader Takashi Tachibana stated in a pre-election press conference that their goal was to "hijack" national broadcaster NHK's broadcasts of candidates' policies.

According to the national Public Offices Election Act (POEA), national and local elections are meant to be conducted "fairly and properly." This is to ensure the free expression of voters' intentions. However, using elections for purposes other than winning may run counter to the spirit of this law. 

Tachibana and his party effectively sold spaces on local election poster boards to donors. In some cases, these spaces featured ads for adult entertainment venues or pictures of animals.

Outlandish Election Broadcasts

Despite the POEA's mandate to "prohibit speech or behavior that compromises one's dignity," during political broadcasts, several candidates exhibited bizarre behavior." several candidates displayed bizarre behavior. One candidate, Airi Uchino, suddenly removed her shirt, stripping down to her bra. "Can you guess what sports I played?" she asked viewers smilingly. "You've fallen in love with me, haven't you? Come on, there's no need to be so embarrassed about it!" She did not mention her campaign promises or outline any reforms she intends to pursue.

Another candidate, Yusuke Kawai, ran around dressed like the Joker. Unlike Uchino, he touched upon some legitimate concerns many citizens share about tax increases and the pension system. However, his antics and prolonged bursts of maniacal laughter turned the broadcast into a farce.

During the election, there were also instances of impersonation on social media, where individuals falsely claimed to have entered the race despite not actually being candidates. Such actions risk confusing voters.

Calls for Reform

In response to this recent turmoil, various political parties are urging a reevaluation of the POEA.

On July 9, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with Governor Koike at the Prime Minister's Residence. Koike talked about the challenges encountered during the election with Kishida. These included disruptive jeers during speeches and a shortage of poster display locations due to the sheer number of candidates.

As she later told reporters, "The election campaign was tumultuous from the outset. We faced various challenges, including ridiculous policy broadcasts and insufficient locations for poster displays." She emphasized, "It's concerning if children develop an aversion to politics, thinking, 'Is this what politics is about?'" Koike expressed hope that discussions on legislative amendments would advance among ruling and opposition parties.

On July 11, the ruling coalition partner Komeito established a POEA review task force within its political reform headquarters. Its decision follows the unprecedented election poster board hijacking and offbeat policy broadcasts.

Komeito Vice Representative Kazuo Kitagawa addressed the issue at a press conference on the same day. "Bulletin boards and policy broadcasts are funded publicly and serve as crucial information for voters," he stated. "They should not be exploited for profit by third parties." He further stressed, "We will collaborate with other political parties to pursue legislative amendments during the upcoming Diet session." 

Electoral irregularities and unconventional campaigning methods during the election underscore broader concerns regarding electoral integrity. They highlight the need for updated regulatory frameworks to maintain transparency and fairness in future elections.

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Author: Daniel Manning