The Mainichi Daily News is reporting that Japan’s cabinet has placed a ban on candidates using Twitter for the country’s upcoming House of Representatives election campaign.
Citing the Public Offices Election Law, the government has deemed Twitter content to fall under the “literature and images” clause within the law.
In stark contrast, American President Barack Obama (or his office) speaks to over 1.7 million followers on a regular basic via Twitter.
While Japan is a constitutional monarchy and the U.S. is constitutional republic, both nations hold open and free elections. Which leads me to this question:
When it comes to elections in democratic nations, do you think Twitter helps or hurts the process?
Transparency is often a good thing – especially in politics – but I’m sure someone could make the case against. Any takers?
