A state of apathy, unless in Japanese company
It seems remarkable in this age of blogs, vblogs and homepages, where everyone and anyone can share their thoughts and opinions with the world, that the act of voting for government has fallen so out of favour with so many people.
Now, I haven't conducted any sort of extensive research, but having discussed this matter with many a Japanese, most no longer vote in local or national elections. Why? Some can't see any relevance to what the politicians are sprouting to their own lives, some think the difference offered between those standing for election is so minute that they might as well be of one party, and others believe even if they vote, nothing will actually change.
I find this all very sad. The right to vote is surely the backbone of any democracy, a right which hasn't always been there. If recent local elections are of any indication of the trends in voting numbers, where less than 40% of the electorate cast their votes, then are we really living in a fully representative democratic nation? Is it not in fact going back to an old way of governance where a few decide what the majority must follow?
Further more, I was talking to a Japanese friend of mine yesterday, and he recalled when working for his first post graduate company, whenever an election was due to take place, the president of the company would call an all employee meeting, and tell them all who they must vote for! This riled my friend and he voted for the opposition candidate out of spite for his president's strong arm tactics, but I wonder how many of those gathered at that meeting simply accepted the order and did what they were told? Is this a sign of a democracy?
Looking at the current crop of top ministers in government here, you'll quickly find several dynasties going back many generations. The Prime Minister is the son of a former Prime Minister. The previous PM was the son of a leading minister. Where's the new blood which can generate new ideas? Sadly it is just not there, which just goes to reinforce another conception of politics here - an old boy network which benefits those in the loop and excludes those outside IE the general public.
Such a set-up can partly explain why the majority of people are no longer interested in involving themselves in politics, but I wonder how long this will last? Is it possible that some form of revolution could erupt and cause a sea change?
Now, I haven't conducted any sort of extensive research, but having discussed this matter with many a Japanese, most no longer vote in local or national elections. Why? Some can't see any relevance to what the politicians are sprouting to their own lives, some think the difference offered between those standing for election is so minute that they might as well be of one party, and others believe even if they vote, nothing will actually change.
I find this all very sad. The right to vote is surely the backbone of any democracy, a right which hasn't always been there. If recent local elections are of any indication of the trends in voting numbers, where less than 40% of the electorate cast their votes, then are we really living in a fully representative democratic nation? Is it not in fact going back to an old way of governance where a few decide what the majority must follow?
Further more, I was talking to a Japanese friend of mine yesterday, and he recalled when working for his first post graduate company, whenever an election was due to take place, the president of the company would call an all employee meeting, and tell them all who they must vote for! This riled my friend and he voted for the opposition candidate out of spite for his president's strong arm tactics, but I wonder how many of those gathered at that meeting simply accepted the order and did what they were told? Is this a sign of a democracy?
Looking at the current crop of top ministers in government here, you'll quickly find several dynasties going back many generations. The Prime Minister is the son of a former Prime Minister. The previous PM was the son of a leading minister. Where's the new blood which can generate new ideas? Sadly it is just not there, which just goes to reinforce another conception of politics here - an old boy network which benefits those in the loop and excludes those outside IE the general public.
Such a set-up can partly explain why the majority of people are no longer interested in involving themselves in politics, but I wonder how long this will last? Is it possible that some form of revolution could erupt and cause a sea change?
posted by TOK at 8:37 am
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