Even if Prime Minister Taro Aso decides not to dissolve the chamber for a snap election, the current term of Lower House members ends in September. So, an election will be held this year. With the Japanese economy in crisis and the nation facing political stagnation, the upcoming election will be very important.
Unfortunately, institutional defects block the smooth flow of information from political parties and politicians to voters, making it difficult for the electorate to discern politicians' and political parties' visions of Japan and policy proposals.
Under the Public Offices Election Law, political parties and politicians, in principle, cannot renew their Web sites once the election campaign officially begins. The law only permits the distribution of fliers and postcards during the campaign period. This provision is absurd in an age when a majority of voters use the Internet, as it deprives them of a crucial source of information during the campaign period.