LDP remains undecided on Constitution’s Article 9

December 21, 2017

Tokyo- The ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Wednesday failed to reach a specific stance over proposed revisions to the Japanese constitution's war-renouncing Article 9.

The LDP's Headquarters for the Promotion of Revision to the Constitution agreed to consider two options for revising the article.

One is from Prime Minister and LDP President Shinzo Abe, maintaining the existing provisions and adding a new clause to recognize the Self-Defense Forces.

The other is based on the party's previous draft proposal, deleting a provision that stipulates Japan does not maintain any armed forces or war potential.

Some members of the panel push for Abe's proposal as a realistic plan that can win support from Komeito, the LDP's coalition partner.

Others maintain that Abe's proposal, which seeks to recognize the SDF while maintaining the vow of not holding military forces, lacks legal consistency.

The two options were listed in an interim report adopted by the LDP panel to summarize its discussions made so far on constitutional amendments.

The panel previously planned to come up with concrete proposals on four key issues, including Article 9, by the end of the year. But opinions were divided.

The panel agreed to deepen discussions in order to submit the party's proposals for constitutional amendments to parliament early next year. It is expected to meet next in January.

The report also listed two options for the proposed creation of a state of emergency clause in the constitution.

One would limit changes to extensions of lawmakers' terms and postponing election dates during such times of emergency, while the other would include greater government power and limits on private rights as well.

The report proposed that at least one lawmaker be elected from each of the country's 47 prefectures for the House of Councillors, the upper chamber of parliament, an idea designed to dissolve the mergers of some prefectural constituencies.

For the realization of free education, the report suggested a new rule in the constitution requiring the government to make constant efforts to develop the environment for education.

The report also said the LDP will discuss proposals from opposition parties, aiming to create a broad consensus among the parties. Jiji Press