The government council is considering specific zoning after the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications estimates that the number of single-seat constituencies in the lower house elections will be increased by 10 and decreased by 10 based on the results of the census. We will put together a revised proposal by June next year.
The number of single-seat constituencies in each prefecture in the lower house elections is to be calculated by a new method called the "Adams method" based on the results of the census conducted last year, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications said last month. Based on the published preliminary figures, we have compiled a trial calculation that the total will increase by 10 in 5 prefectures and decrease by 1 in 10 prefectures.
In response to this, on the 2nd, the government's "House of Representatives Election District Council" held a meeting and began to consider specific zoning.
At the meeting, we investigated the situation of single-seat constituencies nationwide, asked the governors of each prefecture for their opinions, and confirmed the policy of compiling a revision plan for the constituency by June next year.
The introduction of the "Adams method" was decided by a law passed five years ago, but the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications estimates that the number of local seats will decrease, and both the ruling and opposition parties are raising concerns.
Regarding this, Professor Sadafumi Kawato of Teikyo University, who is the chairman of the council, said at a press conference, "The Adams method is an excellent method because the seats are allocated more proportionally to the population than the current calculation method. I think, "he said, and expressed his intention to proceed with the study quietly.