- 14 Mar 2002
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While some LDP top brass brazenly declared Koike's victory in the Tokyo elections "a victory for the LDP", the truth is that the ruling Jiminto, still smarting from a political funding scandal, suffered another setback, losing six of the eight constituencies it contested in Tokyo metropolitan assembly by-elections on 7 July. A record-high nine constituencies had by-elections conducted concurrently with the Tokyo governor election. Although the LDP narrowly remained the leading force in the 127-seat assembly, senior party members say the 7 July results do not bode well for the LDP in the next Lower House election.
Kono Taro supporting the local Hachioji LDP candidate (Asahi)
The by-elections were held in six wards in central Tokyo--Koto, Shinagawa, Nakano, Kita, Itabashi and Adachi--as well as in the cities of Hachioji and Fuchu and the district covering the municipalities of Inagi and Tama. While the LDP won two seats, Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First), a regional party aligned with re-elected Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, gained three. Independent candidates won three seats, and a candidate not affiliated with major parties.
Kono Taro supporting the local Hachioji LDP candidate (Asahi)
The by-elections were held in six wards in central Tokyo--Koto, Shinagawa, Nakano, Kita, Itabashi and Adachi--as well as in the cities of Hachioji and Fuchu and the district covering the municipalities of Inagi and Tama. While the LDP won two seats, Tomin First no Kai (Tokyoites First), a regional party aligned with re-elected Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, gained three. Independent candidates won three seats, and a candidate not affiliated with major parties.