Japan's security law opponents form alliance

Civic groups opposing Japan's security laws have formed a new alliance to support candidates who share their views, the media reported.

Five groups announced the launch of the Civil Alliance for Peace and Constitutionalism on Sunday. They led protests against the security legislation earlier this year, public broadcaster NHK reported.

They said the alliance will support those who want the laws to be scrapped or who want a retraction of the Cabinet decision that approved the changes to Japan's security policy. These included allowing the country to exercise the right to collective self-defence.

Hosei University Professor Jiro Yamaguchi said the alliance wants to persuade the opposition bloc to field unified candidates in single-seat districts, which will be a key factor for the outcome of the election.

Democratic Party President Katsuya Okada said that the launch of the alliance is a noticeable move that signals the start of grassroots democracy.

He said the alliance and his party have common views and he wants to collaborate with the new organisation.