The focal point within the opposition Democratic Party of Japan these days is the leadership elections scheduled for September.
　　　　One view from party leaders is that "the DPJ should not hold an election. Experience teaches us that whenever one of these intra- party elections is held, the party ends up in disarray. Conditions after the elections involving Ichiro Ozawa were especially difficult. If the DPJ appears divided and distracted just before a big election, it will be just what the Liberal Democratic Party had hoped for. Ozawa should remain in charge without a vote."
　　　　The other view is: "The Japanese people, having watched the open campaign for the presidential nomination among the US Democrats, feel that they, too, should have an open political campaign here at home. Those who choose to evade party elections just because it leaves a bitter aftertaste are not fit for political leadership."
　　　　This latter view is correct. There is a chance the DPJ can win the next lower house election. That means the party leader chosen in September could end up being Japan's prime minister. A political party that can't hold an open election isn't qualified to take power. The DPJ should run a dignified, open campaign for party leader.
　　　　Some of the news coming out of the DPJ has me worried. The party has made it very comfortable for Ozawa's aides and supporters. Critics of Ozawa are silenced. It's become a difficult party to survive in if you happen to disagree with Ozawa. Some candidates worry that if they openly criticize Ozawa, they will have official party recognition pulled out from under them for the election. People within the party fear Ozawa. The DPJ must be more democratic than the LDP. To grow into the role of being a true party of the people, the party needs to hold an open leadership race.
　　　　If a candidate goes into the election taking a stand critical of Ozawa, it could reverse Ozawa's fortunes and divide the party, certain DPJ executives say, adding that we should not hold a party election to avoid this fate.
　　　　I don't believe this to be true at all. We don't need politicians who alter their candidacy out of fear of Ozawa. Politicians without the courage to lead need to get off the stage.