JAPANESE POLL

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 April 1946, Page 5

JAPANESE POLL

CONSERVATIVE WIN PEOPLE VOTE TO RETAIN EMPEROR PROPERTY RIGHTS UPHELD NEW. YORK, April 11. “A Conservative win iri the Japanese elections assures the country of a Government which in the next four years will preserve the rights of property ownership, uphold the Emperor, and co-operate without compulsion with British and American ideas on Far Eastern reconstruction.” says the Tokio correspondent of the “New York Times.” The latest count makes victory certain for Liberal, Progressive, and Independent candidates all of whom more or less favour the same ideas. “The results proved a disillusionment for those who believed that the Japanese were ready to go Left. “The election’s outstanding development is the demonstration of the power women will hold in future politics. They comprised more than one-third of the nation’s total vote. “The second notable development from the votes already counted is the tremendous, unpredicted power of the Socialist Party. More than 1,000,000 voters had Socialists in first, ’ second, or third places. The Socialists must now be given more consideration than originally seemed “Even the preliminary results, however, make it plain that the Japanese have no wish to change the Emperor.” A Tokio message says the race between the three leading parties continues to be close. Progress results show: — Liberals 90 Progressives 81 Independents 77 Social Democrats .. .. 72 Communists 6 Minor parties 25 Japanese women candidates appear to be sure of at least nine seats. It is announced that the Shidehara Government will remain in office, at least until a special session of the Diet, probably on May 10. The Japanese press quotes Mr. Marahashi as saying he would form a new political party, with Baron Shidehara as head —possibly a coalition designed to keep the Shidehara Government in power. THIRTY WOMEN ASSURED OF ELECTION (Rec. 10.35 a.m.) TOKIO, April 12. At least 30 women appear assured of election in the Japanese elections. The solidarity of the women’s votes surprised Japanese men who consider that the novelty of female enfranchisement was responsible for the heavy feminine poll. Observers believe that Emperor Hirohito’s appeal to women to exercise their franchise was an important factor in sending them to the polls. The latest progress results are: Liberals H 6. Progressive Communists ' Minor parties 39. Independents 72. Those elected include 39 members of the 1942 Tojo Diet and 40 other former legislators. It is thought that the result will mean ah enforced coalition which will be dominated by the Conservative viewpoint.