The Democratic Party of Japan has set Sept. 8 as the date for accepting candidates in the election of its next party chief. The vote will take place Sept. 21. The likelihood that Mr. Ichiro Ozawa will continue to lead the party is strong. Still, other DPJ politicians besides Mr. Ozawa should run in the election even if their prospects of winning do not appear good. DPJ politicians should realize that the election campaign plays an important role in deepening discussions among party members on policy matters and in rousing people's interest in the party.
The coming election of the new DPJ chief is significant because a DPJ victory in the next general elections would make the new party chief prime minister.
Mr. Ozawa was the driving force that led the DPJ to an overwhelming victory in the Upper House election in July 2007. Many DPJ members appreciate his political ability, especially his ability to lead the party to election victories, although some DPJ members do not like his political style and are critical of some of his policy proposals.