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On January 25, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa gave an address at a gathering held by DPJ member for Hokkaido No. 11 District Tomohiro Ishikawa, in which he expressed the opinion that the dissolution of the Diet and calling of a general election would take place, at the latest, following the passing of the 2009 budget and related bills by the Diet.
Ozawa said, “The Aso Cabinet is turning first one way and then the other, moving aimlessly, like a plane performing a Dutch roll. Even though he is Prime Minister, [Aso] is unable to make any decisions, and so there developments in the political situation could occur at any moment.”
Ozawa analysed the situation as follows: “A great majority of the electorate, in recent opinion polls a majority of around 70%, are already of the opinion that “The Diet should be dissolved immediately. [The Prime Minister] should call on the people, in whom the nation’s sovereign power rests, for their verdict, as soon as the budget is passed, at the latest.”
Furthermore, Ozawa reiterated the DPJ’s position, saying, “We believe that we must take on the task of changing the country’s system from its foundations, whatever it takes.” He added, “Whatever we want to do, [Japan is] a democracy, so we can’t do anything without winning elections. That is natural.”
Ozawa went on to stress the importance of establishing an administration that reflected the will of the people, saying, “Our sovereigns are the people. We are a democratic nation whose sovereign power rests with the people. The final verdict will be delivered by the people. That is how elections work. Recently, there is a tendency, particularly in the media, to view elections lightly, but this is totally mistaken. Elections are the starting point of democracy, and the only opportunity for the people to exercise their sovereign power.”
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