Japan's general election: end of one-party rule | 48 comments (48 topical, editorial, 0 hidden)

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (4.00 / 2)

The final count is:
DPJ 308: LDP 119

I will become a patissier, God willing.

by tuasfait on Sun Aug 30th, 2009 at 08:51:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (none / 1)

With 53 for small parties, DPJ missed two-thirds. On the other hand: are there any potential allies if they want to push through some change needing two-thirds?

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 01:26:29 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (4.00 / 3)

Yes, there are three minor allies.

Social Democrats (former Socialists); 7 seats,
New National Party (those kicked out of LDP for opposition to the postal service privatization); 3
New Japan; 1.

Anyway, with these allies, DPJ will have a majority in the uppoer House too.

I will become a patissier, God willing.

by tuasfait on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 02:55:46 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (none / 1)

But for two-thirds, they'd need two Independents? Or maybe the Communists.

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 03:31:34 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (4.00 / 4)

For two-thirds, yes. Under our constitution, the two-thirds majority is relevant only in the case of (i) two Houses do not agree on a bill, or (ii) a party wants to propose an amendment to the Constitution. Budgets can be passed by a simple majority in the lower House.

With a simple majority in the lower House and a simple majority in the upper House (with these allies), DPJ can now push through its legislative agenda. As for (ii), I do not believe (and I am vehemently against) they will try to amend the constitution.

I will become a patissier, God willing.

by tuasfait on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 05:05:18 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (4.00 / 2)

The frequency of constitutional amendments/changes varies greatly from country to country -- it appears from your reaction that in Japan, it's very rare and thus more similar to the USA than say Germany. As for reasons a left-wing party could have to change a constitution: (1) the incorporation of some human right, (2) the nullification of some outdated criminalisation, (3) changes in the election system. If no such thing is necessary and/or on the DPJ's agenda, that's good.

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 07:01:17 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (4.00 / 4)

We have Article 9 (Renunciation of War) which is still revolutionary, and I am proud of it. Constitutional amendment discussions in Japan often boil down on this Article

I will become a patissier, God willing.

by tuasfait on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 11:37:13 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (none / 0)

Ah THAT's the context, then I get it.

I still don't get why American media commentators were afraid of a two-thirds DJP, however...

_{*Lunatic*, n.

One whose delusions are out of fashion.}

by DoDo on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 11:59:01 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Can the DPJ still obtain 321+ seats (4.00 / 4)

Because whenever there's a swing to the left they feel compelled to concern-troll.

En un viejo país ineficiente, algo así como España entre dos guerras civiles, poseer una casa y poca hacienda y memoria ninguna. -- Gil de Biedma

by Carrie (migeru at eurotrib dot com) on Mon Aug 31st, 2009 at 12:05:29 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Japan's general election: end of one-party rule | 48 comments (48 topical, 0 editorial, 0 hidden)

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