Preparations for Lower House Election: Such an Unprecedented Event Demands Meticulous Management |
Editorial
15:07 JST, January 21, 2026
The preparation period for the upcoming House of Representatives election is short. Also, it will be held in the depths of winter. The burden on local governments that are responsible for the practical tasks of election administration will be heavier than ever before.
Elections are the foundation of democracy. Staff members involved in elections must be mindful of the weight of each vote and carry out their duties steadily and meticulously.
This lower house election is unprecedented in every way. The period from the dissolution on Jan. 23 to the voting and ballot counting on Feb. 8 is just 16 days, the shortest since the end of World War II. It will be the first time in 36 years, since 1990, for a lower house election to be held in February.
This time of year marks the peak period for many local governments to compile their budget proposals for........