Some problems in Japan
Firstly, I will state how boring elections happen. I think this is a big reason that turnout decreases. This problem is caused by young people that are not interested in politics. According to questionnaires, which were sent out to young people by NHK, a person said, “Just because I vote, I wonder if politics change. It is important for me that I conduct my errands over the election.” (NHK, 2014) I think this opinion is caused by a lot of politicians who engage in politics that are disconnected from what the people really wish for. For example, the nations do not hope that consumer tax increases, but politicians promote it. Japanese politics have many problems especially money and policy. If you watch the news in Japan, you will find problems of politics because all news consists of a report of these. In these days, one politician wasted public money for private use. The nations are disappointed in such politician’s actions, so the rate of voting decreased.
Next, I will discuss the effects of boring elections. Japan gets into danger. The Nikkei wrote that the Lower house election was the lowest turnout, 52.66%, after the Second World War. (The Nikkei, 2014) This figure intends that this election is meaningless because only half of the nation voted. In 2015, the Abe administration will have to contemplate a revision of the constitution, and there are few with the political power to stop it. I feel this situation is caused by low turnout, so we should think of a remedy to solve the problem.
It is good to imitate a successful example when an action does not work, so I am going to take up Panama’s election. According to Miyazaki, who is ex-member of Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, the recent turnout in Panama was 77%. It is nearly 20% higher than in Japan. The reason of the high turnout in Panama is people can see the various merits. The power of politics in Panama is stronger than that of Japan. Panama’s young people believe they can find employment if politicians who are supported by young people win elections. (M, 2014) Based on these sentences, I propose one method to solve boring elections. I suggest Japan should make a penalty for not going to elections. I know this proposal have problems, it is not okay to ignore the nation’s right. Electors have a right to not vote. However, we have to find a breakthrough, to make a penalty is likely the easiest resolution.
In summary, Japan has a low voter turnout problem. It is caused by political problems and young people’s indifference to politics. Boring elections lead by politicians could not be fixed by nations. Next, we discussed the method to settle low turnout citing Panama’s case. Finally, I believe Japan should make a penalty about election.
REFERENCES LIST
Daisuke, M (2014). In order to increase the turnout of young people.
Retrieved June 28 2015, from http://jiburi.com/election/
The Nikkei (2014). Lowest turnout.
Retrieved June 28 2015 from
作品名：Some problems in Japan 作家名：つば九郎