A bill to revise the National Referendum Law that would make it easier to vote in a referendum on constitutional revision was passed on Friday at a plenary session of the House of Councillors.
The bill, which went through the House of Representatives on May 11, passed by a majority vote of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its coalition partner Komeito, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and other lawmakers three years after being submitted to the Diet.
The LDP hopes to revive discussions on constitutional revisions at the Commission on the Constitution of both houses of the Diet.
The bill includes measures to facilitate voting, such as the establishment of "common polling stations" at commercial facilities and train stations, and expanding the system to allow students undergoing sea training on ships to cast absentee votes.
Such measures have already been applied in national and local elections and will be applicable in a referendum on constitutional amendment.
The LDP, Komeito, Nippon Ishin no Kai and other parties submitted the bill to the House of Representatives in June 2018. However, the CDPJ and other parties had refused to vote on the bill, fearing that it would create an environment for constitutional amendment, and it has been deliberated continuously for three years in eight Diet sessions.
On May 6, the CDPJ submitted a proposed amendment to the lower house Commission on the Constitution, with a supplementary provision regarding regulations on TV and radio advertising during referendum campaign periods and foreign donations.
The provision states that the regulations will be "reviewed within about three years after the enforcement of the law and necessary legislative measures will be taken."
After the LDP complied with the CDPJ's request, the CDPJ softened its stance and the two parties agreed to pass the bill during the current session.
The LDP hopes to discuss constitutional amendment and commercial regulation at the same time. However, the CDPJ has insisted that discussions on the regulation and other issues for which the supplementary provision stipulates a three-year review period should be prioritized.
Revising the Constitution would require approval by two-thirds in both Diet chambers and then a majority in a national referendum.
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