Takamatsu High Court Rules Japan's Lower House Election Constitutional Despite 2.1x Vote Disparity

The Takamatsu High Court ruled the February Lower House election constitutional, dismissing a lawsuit challenging the maximum 2.1-fold vote disparity. This is the first verdict among 16 similar lawsuits nationwide.

Tue May 19 2026

Lower House Election Vote Disparity Ruled Constitutional

Regarding the maximum 2.1-fold disparity in the value of one vote in Japan's House of Representatives election held in February this year, the Takamatsu High Court has ruled it does not violate the constitution. The court dismissed the lawsuit seeking to nullify the election results. This marks the first verdict among a total of 16 lawsuits filed nationwide by two lawyer groups challenging the 'one-vote disparity.'

Lawsuit by Lawyer Groups and Future Outlook

The lawsuits were initiated by two lawyer groups across Japan, arguing for the nullification of the Lower House election due to the vote disparity. The Takamatsu High Court's decision is expected to influence other ongoing lawsuits across the country. Attention is now focused on how courts will rule in similar cases.

*Source: NHK World-Japan (2026-05-19)*

Tags: #Japan #LowerHouse #Election #VoteDisparity #TakamatsuHighCourt