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Official campaigning for 41 prefectural assemblies kicks off in Japan

Xinhua, April 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

Official campaigning kicked off Friday for 41 prefectures' and 17 major cities' assemblies, part of the quadrennial unified local elections, local media reported.

The elections will be held on April 12, along with gubernatorial elections in 10 prefectures and mayoral elections in five cities, according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.

It is the first unified local election since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took power again in late 2012. Both the ruling and opposition parties are trying to shore up their support base by it for upcoming races, including next year's Upper House election.

Abe has placed priority on revitalizing regional economies, saying his government will make sure that the benefits of his " Abenomics" policy package will be shared across the country.

Some 3,263 people filed their candidacy for a total of 2,284 assembly seats in 41 prefectures, according to a Kyodo News tally. In 17 of the country's 20 government-designated cities, 1,475 people filed their candidacy for 1,022 city assembly seats.

The second round of the unified local elections, namely voting for mayoral and assembly elections in smaller cities, towns and villages will be held on April 26. Endi