Revitalising democracy

 

 

Saurabh Kumar Shahi's article "A new era begins" (TSI, September 7-13) concerning Japan elections is appreciable. The vote out of ruling liberal democrats was a fallout of Japan's worst economic slump since World War II and the party's inability to tackle tough problems like rising national debt and rapidly ageing population. The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has embraced a more populist platform promising handouts for families with children and farmers and a higher minimum wage. Even if the DPJ fails to implement most of its reform in short order, the fact that Japanese voters opted for change will invigorate their country's democracy.

Sanjar Rahman

Patna