Democratic Innovation Party?

Although it is not clear whether the party would collect support from voters against the regime led by Liberal Democratic Party, Democratic Party of Japan and Innovation Party agreed on the name of new integrated party as Minshinto, with possible English name of Democratic Innovation Party. While most DPJ members expected to secure the name of Minshu, which meant democracy, the public did not like it as much as DPJ thought. As long as integration in policies are left behind, new party will not be more than mutual aid group for next election.

As a result of discussion by top leaders, two parties raised two options for the name of new party: Rikken-Minshuto, or Constitutional Democratic Party, and Minshinto, or Democratic Innovation Party. DPJ wanted to leave Minshu in party name, which has been a symbol for Japanese liberalism from the beginning in1996. Innovation Party did not like Minshu, which had negative image for voters, since false handling of politics in the time of East Japan Great Earthquake or endless internal controversy over highly important agenda. They decided to operate polls independently.

Disappointing result for DPJ came up. It was understandable that Minshinto was supported more than Rikken-Minshuto in the poll by Innovation Party. But, even in the poll by DPJ, Minshinto took over Rikken-Minshuto. While 18.7% supported Rikken-Minishuto, 24.0% recommended Minishinto. The result meant that even supporters of DPJ were tired of negative image which the name of Minshu had.

DPJ members are worried about invalid vote written as Minshuto in next election. If the party name is Rikken-Minshuto and its abbreviation is registered as Minshu, a vote written as Minshuto will be counted for the party. For Minshinto, votes for Minshuto will not be counted. But, here is a fundamental question: How many votes are remaining for that unpopular party?

Problems are not swept away. Two parties are going to determine new party platform. They have agreed on setting three pillars of liberal, co-existence and responsibility for the future. On constitution, they will be insist on constitutionalism, while continuing efforts for designing future-looking constitution rooted on new human rights and reform for regional sovereignty. But, two parties have different idea on nuclear generation or deregulation. It is not clear to have integrated stance on some policies.

Inside DPJ, there remains frustration on the result of choosing party name. While the most expect DPJ President, Katsuya Okada, will be the president of new party, some argue presidential election should be held before the election. It is ordinary internal quarrel that degraded DPJ. There are some who do not learn lessons of history.