 The party platform was politically and economically more liberal than its major rival, the "Rikken Seiyūkai," calling for rule by the Diet of Japan rather than bureaucrats or "genrō," elimination of disparities in wealth, international cooperation, and protection of personal liberties.The "Minseitō" fielded many candidates in the February 1928 General Election, (the first to be held after the General Election Law), winning 217 seats in the Lower House, as opposed to 218 seats for the "Seiyūkai".This resulted in a hung parliament.