"Frozen extremities are one of several obstacles facing voters in Japan as they prepare to cast their ballots at next month's snap general election. The vote, called by the prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, less than four months after taking office, will be held in the middle of a winter that has seen record snowfall in parts of the country, prompting concern about a low turnout."
"In several areas, billboards displaying posters showing the names, faces and political affiliations of candidates have disappeared beneath heavy snowfall. Authorities in a town in Aomori prefecture in Japan's far north have been forced to cut the number of billboards erected ahead of the vote to just 97, compared with 621 ahead of last year's upper house elections, which were held in the summer."
"The weather has added to logistical headaches caused by the 16-day gap between the dissolution of the lower house of parliament and election day on 8 February the shortest period in living memory. The Japan Times reported that some local municipalities complained that they were struggling to make arrangements to accommodate voters, forcing employees to work overtime. Observers believe a combination of cold weather, Takaichi's high approval ratings and a weak opposition could combine to increase voter apathy"
Record snowfall and brutal winter conditions across Japan, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast and in Aomori prefecture, are disrupting preparations for the snap general election on 8 February. Heavy snow has buried candidate billboards, forced local authorities to drastically reduce poster displays, and contributed to ten deaths in the past week. The 16-day gap between lower-house dissolution and election day has strained municipal logistics and forced overtime work. Observers warn that extreme weather, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's high approval ratings, and a weak opposition could combine to depress turnout and increase voter apathy.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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