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2009/03/29
Statement on result of Chiba gubernatorial election
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On March 29, DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama issued the following statement:
Today, polling for the Chiba gubernatorial election took place, but Taira Yoshida, the candidate supported by our party, was defeated. We would like to thank all the residents of Chiba prefecture who supported the candidate, as well as all those around the country who encouraged him, while apologizing for the fact that our strength as the party supporting him was insufficient.
Mr Yoshida had taken the bold step of leaving the private sector to take on this challenge, and had fought the election fair and square in order to realise a prefectural administration that would work on behalf of the residents of Chiba prefecture, but unfortunately during the course of the brief election campaign, the DPJ, as the party backing his candidacy, was unable to provide enough impetus to overcome the overwhelmingly superior name value [of the opposing candidate].
The election campaign took place in the midst of daily media reports regarding alleged political donations made by Nishimatsu Construction, including a flood of information unrelated to the violation of the Political Funds Control Law that was cited as the reason for the indictment in question. Despite this, many people showed their understanding for the policies espoused by Mr. Yoshida and this has provided invaluable encouragement to the DPJ.
Using the voices of the electorate received [in this election] as a catalyst, the DPJ will unite and develop into an even more trustworthy political party. We will strive with all our strength to bring about a change of government and realise politics that puts “People’s Lives First”.
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