A relay having a first opening and closing part including an openable and closable first gap; a second opening and closing part including an openable and closable second gap, the second opening and closing part being placed side by side with the first opening and closing part so that the first gap and the second gap are arranged side by side; a magnetization driving part to cause the first opening and closing part and the second opening and closing part to simultaneously operate; and a permanent magnet to apply a magnetic field on the first and second gaps in the same direction.