How can we involve 'on-line' and 'off-line' people to the election campaign together? : From the experience as a candidate for the election of Diet members

摘要

This paper introduces the relationship between the Internet and an election campaign from the experience that the author stood for the election of the Diet in 2002. Though the Internet user is increasing and they are discussing on policy issue, the voting percentage is getting worth. Also, the election law in Japan does not allow carrying election campaign on the Internet Candidates are ought to go along "traditonal" way that takes human relationship much more than policy, issue-based network. This paper reports the actual condition from the experience and discussed what is needed both far candidates and voters. As a result, the candidate did not flunk she broke the stereotype by using the web. Off-line human networks actually support campaign, while on-line people just discuss virtually. This paper argues two ways to develop election campaign with more communication between candidates and voters. The first is to change the election law in Japan to allow using the Internet practically. The second way is, which is especially fir candidates and the parties, to establish on-line strategy to support voters' engaging in deliberation. That brings opportunities for socially minority in policy area such as the young and women.