Nov 26, 2024 (NHK) - The Governor of Hyogo Prefecture in western Japan has expressed his view that there were no illegalities in his election campaign. The remark came as some are accusing him of violating the public offices election law over the use of a PR company in the campaign.
Saito Motohiko was re-elected as governor earlier this month after he lost his post amid power harassment and other accusations.
After the election, the representative of a PR company in the prefecture said online that the firm was involved in strategic planning of the campaign's social media management.
The statement also said the company was entrusted with overall public relations for the campaign and that the representative was responsible for strategic planning and setting up accounts, as the supervisor.
The public offices election law prohibits payment of compensation to individuals who conduct an election campaign online.
The internal affairs ministry says on its website that, in general, if a business entity plans an election campaign independently and in a discretionary manner, paying compensation to that entity could be considered bribery.
The prefectural election committee says it has received opinions that, if the content of the company representative's statement is true, the acts outlined could be deemed illegal.
In response, Saito told reporters in Tokyo on Monday that he had commissioned the company to produce materials such as posters, and paid about 700,000 yen, or around 4,500 dollars, for the cost.
He said his office and other entities were primarily responsible for the management of social media in the campaign.
He said he understands that the representative of the PR company took part in campaigning as an individual volunteer. He added that doesn't see any facts suggesting any violation of the public office election law.
When asked for details, Saito said his lawyer is dealing with the matter, and he will provide responses later.
Experts say social media had a huge impact on the gubernatorial election campaign.
