The ruling and opposition parties have agreed to allow election campaigns to use the Internet. A bill for a relevant revision of the law will be introduced to the Diet by lawmakers — not by the government — and campaigns will take to the Internet starting this summer when the Upper House election is held. While differences remain concerning the details of online election campaigns, it is hoped that the change will increase public interest in politics and raise voter turnout.
Currently the Public Offices Election Law severely restricts the distribution of documents for election campaigns (websites are regarded as documents under the law), allowing only the distribution of postcards and flyers.
The law bars parties and candidates from updating their websites once election campaigns officially begin.