Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Japan uses the mixed-system. In the Lower House (Shugiin), for the plurality system, Japan is divided into 289 single member districts and for the proportional representation system, it is divided into 11 blocks. In the Upper House (Sangiin), for the single non-transferable vote system, Japan is divided into 45 multi-member districts and for the propotional representation system, it is one nationwide district.
Source: Constitution, Art. 47:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html;
Public Offices Election Act, Art. 13 & 14:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2021/09/17
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population b . Respecting natural barriers d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 15 (7):https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Order for Enforcement of the Public Offices Election Act, Ch.2:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325CO0000000089#C
Verified: 2021/09/17
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
a . Legislature (1st chamber) b . Legislature (2nd chamber) d . Boundary Commission
Comments: For the lower house, the advise on the delimitation of constituencies made by the Boundary Commission must be accepted by the legislature. For the upper house, the boundary is based on the existing local jurisdiction boundaries.
Source: Constitution, Art. 47:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html;
Public Offices Election Act, Art. 13 & 14:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Order for Enforcement of the Public Offices Election Act, Ch.2:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325CO0000000089#C
Act for Establishment of the Council on the House of Representative Electoral District;https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=406AC0000000003#16
IFES"Delimitation Equity Project Resource Guide":
https://ifes.org/sites/default/files/delimitations_manual_full_0.pdf
Verified: 2021/09/17
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The Emperor shall be the symbol of the State and the unity of the people, deriving his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power. The Imperial Throne shall be dynastic and succeeded to in accordance with the Imperial House Law passed by the Diet.
Source: Constitution, Art. 1-2:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2021/09/17
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The Prime Minister shall be designated from among the members of the Diet by a resolution of the Diet.
Source: Constitution, Art. 67:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2021/09/17
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 1-2:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2019/07/09
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The Diet shall consist of two Houses, namely the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. Both Houses shall consist of elected members, representative of all the people.
Source: Constitution, Art. 42:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2021/09/17
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
e . Parallel (Segmented) (PR Lists and Majoritarian constituencies)
Comments: The electoral system is the combination of FPTP and PR. 289 out of 465 seats are elected through FPTP system while the other 176 are decided by PR with closed party lists. For PR system there are 11 districts and the magnitude of the districts varies from 6 to 28 according to the population size.
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: http://www.soumu.go.jp/senkyo/senkyo_s/naruhodo/naruhodo03.html
Constitution, Art. 43:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html;
Public Offices Election Act, Art.4:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2021/09/17
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
b . Separate legislation
Comments: Public Offices Election Act/ Order for Enforcement of the Public Offices Election Act/ Ordinance for Enforcement of the Public Offices Election Act
Source: Constitution, Art. 47: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html;
Public Offices Election Act:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art 2-3:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: The Constitution of Japan indicates that 1) the people have the inalienable right to choose their public officials and to dismiss them. 2) All public officials are servants of the whole community and not of any group thereof. 3) Universal adult suffrage is guaranteed with regard to the election of public officials. 4) In all elections, secrecy of the ballot shall not be violated. A voter shall not be answerable, publicly or privately, for the choice he has made.
Suffrage is guaranteed, however it is not compulsory.
Source: Constitution, Art. 15:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The citizens and the candidates can charge the Central Election Management Council in the High Courts.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 204 and 208:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments: Affairs concerning the election are the responsibility of the Central Election Management Council, which operates to administer elections only at the National level. At local level, local election administration commissions are in charge.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 5:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
(Central Election Management Council belongs to Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.)
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 5-2 (16):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Act for Establishment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Act. Art.4:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=411AC0000000091#13
Act on Standards for Expenses of Diet Election and Other Election:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC0000000179
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication: http://www.soumu.go.jp/senkyo/senkyo_s/naruhodo/naruhodo06.html
http://www.soumu.go.jp/english/soumu/io.html
Verified: 2019/07/09
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.
(Central Election Management Council belongs to Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications.)
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 5-2 (16):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Act for Establishment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Act. Art.4:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=411AC0000000091#13
Act on Standards for Expenses of Diet Election and Other Election:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC0000000179
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication: http://www.soumu.go.jp/senkyo/senkyo_s/naruhodo/naruhodo06.html
http://www.soumu.go.jp/english/soumu/io.html
Verified: 2019/07/09
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The term of Central Election Management Council is 3 years.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 5-2 (9):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#19
Verified: 2019/07/09
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
c . Mixed
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook:
https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/electoral-management-design-2014.pdf
Verified: 2019/07/09
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
a . 1 - 10 members (specify)
Comments: The Central Election Management Council has 5 members.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 5-2(1):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: The members are appointed by the prime minister as designated by the Diet. They shall not be a member of the Diet. Also, there can not be more than three people who have the same political affiliation.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art.5-2(2)(3);
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
b . Head of Government e . Legislature
Comments: The members are appointed by the prime minister as designated by the Diet.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art.5-2(2)(3);
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body b . Regional Electoral Management Bodies c . Local/County Electoral Management Bodies d . National Government e . Regional Governments f . Local Governments
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 6, 31(3), 34(6):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Order for the Enforcement of the Public Offices Election Act, Art. 132:https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325CO0000000089#C
Verified: 2019/07/09
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 6 and 261(2):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, conducted by the National Electoral Management Body c . Yes, conducted by the Regional Electoral Management Bodies d . Yes, conducted by the Local/County Electoral Management Bodies e . Yes, conducted by the Government
Comments: The law indicates that the minister of the Internal Affairs and Communications and EMBs both at national level and local level should inform voters about elections.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 6:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications: http://www.soumu.go.jp/senkyo/senkyo_s/naruhodo/naruhodo09.html
Verified: 2019/07/09
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 9:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence d . Naturalization
Comments: - Japanese citizens over 18
- 3 months residence
Source: Public Office Election Act, Art. 9 (2):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: Election Administration Commission (Municipality level)
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 19 (2):
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Public Office Election Act, Art. 19 (1&2), 22:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
e . Minimum number of candidates f . Other
Comments: An organization which wishes to register as a political party needs to have 5 Diet members or 2% of the total votes in the last election.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 86, 86-2 and 86-3:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship
Comments: Minimum age: 25 years old for the Lower House, 30 years old for the Upper House.
The qualifications of members of both Houses and their electors shall be fixed by law. However, there shall be no discrimination because of race, creed, sex, social status, family origin, education, property or income.
Source: Constitution, Art. 44:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/JP/SDOC2815.pdf/view;
Public Offices Election Act, Art. 10(1):
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2019/07/09
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1) d . In legislative elections (Chamber 2)
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 86 and 86-4:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Verified: 2019/07/09
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments: According to the Political Party Subsidies Act, subsidies, which amount to 250 yen per capita are distributed among parties according to their number of Diet seats and their proportion of the total vote (Articles 7–8).
As indirect public funding, candidates or political parties can put an advertisement in newspapers free of charge (article 149). Also, candidates or political parties can express their political views, free of charge, over the radio and the television broadcast(article 150).
Source: Political Party Subsidies Act, Art. 3,4,7 and 8: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=406AC0000000005#C;
Public Offices Election Act, Art. 149,150, 263 and 264:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100;
International IDEA Political Finance Database:
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/political-finance-database
Verified: 2019/07/09
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
a . Equal funding, regardless of size and previous performance b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments: Free public broadcast is available for all candidates.
Public subsidies are distributed to the parties in accordance with the number of the seats that each party has and the a party's vote share in the last election.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 149 and 150:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100
Political Party Subsidies Act, Ch.3:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=406AC0000000005#C;
Verified: 2019/07/09
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For example, Political Funds Control Act Art. 21 defines that cooperations, unions or other organizations can donate money only to the political parties and the political fund management organizations.
Source: Political Funds Control Act:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=323AC1000000194#357
International IDEA Political Finance Database:
https://www.idea.int/data-tools/data/political-finance-database
Verified: 2019/07/09
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
c . Special counting centres
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art 63:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#637
Verified: 2019/07/09
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
d . By request e . Court order
Comments: According to the Public Offices Election Act, the voters and candidates can appeal to the court when they have any objection to the electoral result.The court judges whether the result is valid or not. However, it does not mention recounting ballots. If candidates would like to request for a recount, they need to file a request to court for national elections or election councils for local elections.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art. 204, 206 and 208:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#1920
Verified: 2019/07/09
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
b . Based on number of candidates put forward in present elections
Comments: Political parties and independent candidates have free access to TV and radio broadcast, and newspaper advertisements during the election campaign.
Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns";
Public Offices Election Act, Art.149, 150, and 151:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#1
Verified: 2019/07/09
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: The legal framework does not mention the debates but party representatives usually have opportunities of televised debates through mass media (TV) and the internet.
Source:
Verified: 2019/07/09
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
f . 10 or more days
Comments: The exact numbers of the poll cannot be announced during 12-17 days (for the Upper House election, it is 12 days and the Lower House election, it is 17 days), but media may announce the situation narratively. At municipal level elections, the period is shorter (5-9days).
Source: Public Offices Electoral Act, Art. 138-3:
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/JP/japan-public-offices-election-act-2016
Verified: 2019/07/09
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: There is no specific limitation on the paid advertising but the overall spending for an electoral campaign is limited.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art.194:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#1
Order for Enforcement of the Public Offices Election Act, Art.127:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325CO0000000089#1
Verified: 2019/07/09
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution, ChapterIX, Art.96 "Amendments to this Constitution shall be initiated by the Diet, through a concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all the members of each House and shall thereupon be submitted to the people for ratification, which shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast thereon, at a special referendum or at such election as the Diet shall specify."
Source: The Constitution of Japan, Art.47:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Act on Procedures for Amendment of the Constitution of Japan:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=422CO0000000135#1
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution, ChIX, Art.96 "Amendments to this Constitution shall be initiated by the Diet, through a concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all the members of each House and shall thereupon be submitted to the people for ratification, which shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast thereon, at a special referendum or at such election as the Diet shall specify."
Source: The Constitution of Japan, Art.47:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008):https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
a . Always binding
Comments: The Constitution of Japan, ChIX, Art.96
"...Amendments when so ratified shall immediately be promulgated by the Emperor in the name of the people, as an integral part of this Constitution."
Source: The Constitution of Japan, Ch IX, Art.96:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
a . Constitutional changes only
Comments: Constitution, ChIX, Art.96 "Amendments to this Constitution shall be initiated by the Diet, through a concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all the members of each House and shall thereupon be submitted to the people for ratification, which shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of all votes cast thereon, at a special referendum or at such election as the Diet shall specify."
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
The Constitution of Japan, Ch IX, Art.96:
https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Verified: 2019/07/10
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: Constitution Article 95. A special law, applicable only to one local public entity, cannot be enacted by the Diet without the consent of the majority of the voters of the local public entity concerned, obtained in accordance with law.
Recalls are also done through plebiscite.
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008): https://www.idea.int/sites/default/files/publications/direct-democracy-the-international-idea-handbook_0.pdf
Constitution Art.95: https://japan.kantei.go.jp/constitution_and_government_of_japan/constitution_e.html
Local Autonomy Act Art.261: https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=322AC0000000067#1
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication: http://www.soumu.go.jp/senkyo/senkyo_s/naruhodo/naruhodo06.html
Verified: 2019/07/10
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections f . By mail
Comments: f) Limited to the disabled and for those residing abroad.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art.39, 44 and 49:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#1
Verified: 2016/06/07
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country d . Members of the armed forces e . Students f . Diplomatic staff g . Other
Comments:
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art.49:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#1
Verified: 2019/07/10
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates c . Special polling stations e . By mail
Comments: e) Only for those who are unable to reach the consulate.
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art.49:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#1
Verified: 2019/07/10
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments: Manually writing the name of the candidates/political parties (either hand writing or braille)
Source: Public Offices Election Act, Art.46:
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/search/elawsSearch/elaws_search/lsg0500/detail?lawId=325AC1000000100#1
Verified: 2019/07/10
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