Editorial :: DPJ's show of vitality

Monday, July 28, 2008

The Democratic Party of Japan has set Sept. 8 as the date for accepting candidates in the election of its next party chief. The vote will take place Sept. 21. The likelihood that Mr. Ichiro Ozawa will continue to lead the party is strong. Still, other DPJ politicians besides Mr. Ozawa should run in the election even if their prospects of winning do not appear good. DPJ politicians should realize that the election campaign plays an important role in deepening discussions among party members on policy matters and in rousing people's interest in the party.

The coming election of the new DPJ chief is significant because a DPJ victory in the next general elections would make the new party chief prime minister.

Mr. Ozawa was the driving force that led the DPJ to an overwhelming victory in the Upper House election in July 2007. Many DPJ members appreciate his political ability, especially his ability to lead the party to election victories, although some DPJ members do not like his political style and are critical of some of his policy proposals.

For example, some voices within the party say Mr. Ozawa's proposals to beef up child-support allowances and pay individual farmers the difference between the production cost of main crops and the import prices of such crops are untenable because the tax revenues to finance them are insufficient. There is also criticism of Ozawa's security policy.

There are worries within the party that if more than one candidate run for party chief, it may cause a schism in the party. But if it cannot unite after a party chief election, the party does not deserve to be regarded as a political party that operates under democratic principles. The party should utilize policy discussions among candidates as an opportunity to polish its party's election platform and make them feasible and convincing.

Leaders of the DPJ should realize that the election of Mr. Ozawa as party chief without a vote will give people the impression that the party lacks energy and vitality as a political party, thus weakening its chance of becoming a governing party.