Japan's new electoral system: has anything changed?

Article Abstract:

Japan experienced its first major post-World War II reform - a new lower house electoral system. It is difficult to see whether this new system has greatly influenced the political scene. Meanwhile, the features of the new electoral law favored the status quo. For a stable party realignment to emerge, at least two or three more elections are required. A reconstitution of LDP hegemony or a positioning of a new conservative party with a large majority is likely to occur. The new system may only play a minimal role since it did not succeed in reviving public interest in politics.

Evaluation, Political aspects, Political reform

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Voter turnout and strategic ticket-splitting under Japan's new electoral rules

Article Abstract:

Observers of Japanese politics focused their attention on the first-ever election conducted on Oct 20, 1996, under the new Japanese electoral system, after three years of political instability and uncertainty. Voter turnout, however, was low. Some attributed this to the widespread distrust among the electorate. The people reacted to the change by withholding political participation. These voters also engaged in a pattern of strategic voting that does not fully support the two-party system. Another round of electoral reforms is expected in the future.

Elections, Analysis, Voting

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