Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, is facing a tough challenge in maintaining its parliamentary majority according to exit polls and analysis by local news outlets. As voting came to a close on Sunday, NHK predicted a close race with the LDP likely falling short of a majority on its own, potentially needing the support of coalition partner Komeito to secure between 174 to 254 seats. This falls below the 233-seat threshold required to win power in Japan’s lower house.
In addition to NHK, Nikkei Asia also indicated that the LDP could lose its majority in the lower house based on exit surveys and voter sentiment. Both the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) and the Democratic Party for the People (DPP) are expected to make gains in this election, further complicating the LDP’s hold on power.
The election, which was seen as a significant challenge to the ruling party’s dominance, has been marred by concerns over inflation and corruption scandals that have tarnished the LDP’s image. Prime Minister Ishiba, who took office on October 1 after winning the party’s leadership election, has promised to address the economic challenges facing Japanese households and focus on revitalizing rural areas grappling with demographic shifts and an aging population.
The decision to call for a snap election by Ishiba came after internal party struggles and the need to address public discontent over rising costs of living. The LDP’s campaign has been overshadowed by the shadow of corruption, leading to the replacement of several cabinet ministers and senior party officials by Ishiba’s predecessor, Fumio Kishida.
If the final results align with the exit polls and projections, it would mark a significant shift in Japan’s political landscape, with the LDP losing its majority for the first time since 2009. The outcome of this election will not only determine the composition of the parliament but also set the course for Japan’s economic policies and governance in the coming years.
