Updated:April 19, 2017

Mayor’s comment on recommendation about a revision plan of single-seat electoral districts in the House of Representatives

April 19, 2017

Pursuant to “the Basic Principle on Revision Plan of Electoral Districts based on the Emergency Act of Correction”, a recommendation to Prime Minister Abe was made today, with regard to the revision plan of single-seat electoral districts in the House of Representatives.

　In this plan, Nagasaki 3rd and Nagasaki 4th Electoral Districts were subject to be reviewed, but no change was mentioned in the recommendation with regard to the districts in Sasebo, which were reviewed last time.

　I have expressed the opinion that the electoral districts should not be changed too often because the residents have been involved in political issues for 4 years since the last revision in the current districts. I imagine the concerned authorities decide not to change the district, taking the circumstances into consideration. I would like to appreciate them in this sense.

　However, there remains a problem; people were not able to have any talks or discussions on this matter with the concerned authorities. They were not given chance to express their views for this review, which I deeply regret.

　In a present calculation by Adam’s Method, scheduled to be introduced after 2020, the number of seats in Nagasaki Prefecture is expected to be 3, which we can expect will be subject to be reviewed at that time, once again.

　Of course, I understand the necessity of correcting the disparity of the vote values, which is the responsibility of national Diet. Now they are creating an environment that makes it easier for the Japanese people to take part in politics-such as lowing the voting age and making use of early voting-. A “revision”, which disrespects some parts of voters’ right to take part in politics, should be revised and stable institution, which can give people a realization of participation in politics, should be considered.

Norio Tomonaga
Mayor of Sasebo