The Tokyo chapter of the Democratic Party decided to endorse three candidates who bolted from the party to run for the Tokyo assembly election (July 2) as independents, several sources close to the party have indicated. The three candidates have already received official backing from “Tomin First no Kai,” a regional party led by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike. This may spark opposition from within the party.

The three candidates, who the DP Tokyo chapter will endorse, are planning to run from two-seat constituencies as independents. Their official endorsements were rescinded on May 15, with their defection approved on June 12. Besides them, the party is also considering extending support to four candidates, who it previously endorsed as official candidates, at the levels of ward or city assemblies.

The DP membership in the Tokyo assembly has fallen to eight as a result of the recent exodus. As it is predicted to see a further reduction in seats during the election, it is looking to forge ties with former members in case they are elected to office.

But one candidate who will run on the DP ticket is furious with the party, saying that “We have no obligation to support those who abandoned us. It’s nonsense.”