Conservatives Encouraged for Constitutional Amendment

Discussion on constitutional amendment is accelerated in both chambers of the Diet. The conservative powers in the Lower House proposed establishing a committee to make a draft of the amendment. Some opposition parties are reluctant to proceed, being skeptical about argument raised by conservative parties. Although the Lower House, in which Liberal Democratic Party has a super majority, is willing to change the constitution, the Upper House is making a slow progress. An apparent gap is seen between the chambers. 

The Commission on Constitution in the Lower House held its first meeting on April 9th, since the LDP achieved a sweeping victory in the Lower House election in February. The LDP proposed to set up a committee to make a draft of amendment. The party argues that the Constitution needs a provision to extend the term of Lower House members in case a contingency, including major natural disaster or terrorist attack, make the House unable to assemble.

 

LDP’s coalition partner, Japan Innovation Party (JIP), is far more enthusiastic about constitutional amendment than the LDP. JIP demanded establishment of a discussion body for a draft by LDP and JIP. The agreement also included having a draft committee in the commission on constitution of both Houses. JIP requested to start making a draft as soon as possible.

 

Some opposition parties are supportive for making a draft of the amendment. Democratic Party for the People (DPP) agrees with discussing a provision for extension of the term of Lower House members in contingency. Japan Communist Party (JCP) strongly opposes changing the Constitution, seeing no necessity to amend it. Sanseito also opposes the term-extending clause, being afraid that the provision may lead to coercive vaccination in a pandemic. Central Reform Alliance (CRA) showed reluctancy to have accelerated discussion.

 

However, the Upper House is not in a hurry. In the meeting of Commission on Constitution on April 15th, the LDP did not propose a drafting committee. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) and JIP opposed the idea of drafting committee. The Upper House lawmakers are basically skeptical about necessity of extending term of Lower House members, because the Constitution already has a provision in which the Upper House can hold an emergency session of Upper House if the Lower House members’ term is expired.

 

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made a step forward to constitutional amendment in LDP national convention in April 12th, saying that she hoped to pave the way for the amendment within a year. The conservatives are encouraged by Takaichi’s agitation, while the liberals are protesting unilateral promotion of constitutional amendment. One thing clear is that the leading coalition by LDP and JIP is far behind of two-third majority in the Upper House, which is required to initiate the amendment.

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