Japan's PM draws flak over timing of election

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has faced mounting criticism over the timing of the upcoming general election, as opposition figures and educators warned that the vote could disrupt university entrance exams and discourage youth participation.

The election, scheduled for Sunday, will be the first House of Representatives election held in February since 1990, a month that coincides with peak entrance exam season across Japan.

Takaichi, who abruptly dissolved the lower house last month, has urged students to make use of early voting. But Toshiko Takeya, a leader of the Komeito party, said the burden on examinees will be heavy, calling Takaichi's move "extremely unreasonable".

Meanwhile, Yoshihiko Noda, co-leader of the Centrist Reform Alliance, said the move could deprive young people eager to vote "for their own future" of the opportunity to cast ballots.

Concerns have also centered on the potential effect of noisy campaigning near schools and exam venues.

Kaori Suetomi, a professor of education administration at Nihon University, said voluntary restraint by some candidates may not be enough to protect students during crucial examinations.

The overlap underscores the need to review legal rules on election timing and campaign practices, she said.

Xinhua