Overview
- CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda said negotiations have reached the final stage of internal procedures and indicated he plans to meet Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito later today.
- Komeito decided at its central committee meeting to entrust Saito with handling cooperation talks with the CDP, including the option of forming a new party.
- Both parties convened briefings for their lawmakers to outline the proposed election framework ahead of a potential same-day leaders’ agreement.
- Options under discussion include Komeito withdrawing some single-seat candidates, such as Saito in Hiroshima’s 3rd district, backing CDP candidates nationwide, and receiving prioritized spots on proportional lists.
- CDP secretary-general Jun Azumi said that if an agreement is reached, the parties would likely approach the Democratic Party for the People to broaden the centrist bloc against the LDP and Nippon Ishin.