Apr 27 (Kyodo) - A ruling party candidate won a seat in a lower house by-election in central Japan held under a state of emergency over the coronavirus, providing relief to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe whose response to the pandemic has been criticized.
Yoichi Fukazawa of the Liberal Democratic Party who was also backed by its junior coalition partner Komeito, defeated Ken Tanaka, who was endorsed by four major opposition parties in the first national poll since the coronavirus outbreak began. Voter turnout was a record low at 34.10 percent.
The election in the Shizuoka Nov. 4 district was an opportunity for the ruling coalition to justify their crisis response that opposition lawmakers see as too late and out of touch with the public. It was also marked by firsts for both candidates and voters as Japan scrambles to contain COVID-19.
There were no "banzai," or raising hands high to celebrate an achievement, or giving of a flower bouquet, as Fukazawa's camp broke with customs as measures against the coronavirus spread.
"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Abe, the government has been rolling out a series of steps but I'm aware of the criticism they are not enough," the 43-year-old Fukazawa told reporters. "We will carry out necessary measures."
Abe's support ratings have fallen in recent media polls. His plan to distribute cloth masks to all households has hit a snag amid complaints of defects by recipients and the recent posting of a video clip meant to deliver his "stay at home" message has been perceived as backfiring.
In the run-up to Sunday's poll, Abe yielded to pressure from Komeito after his cash handout plan met criticism and made an abrupt policy change in mid-April to provide 100,000 yen ($930) per person to support all people affected by his emergency declaration that was expanded nationwide in mid-April.
