Japan's Parliamentary Elections: A Crucial Test for the Ruling Party
Polls opened in Japan on Sunday for a parliamentary election that poses a significant challenge for new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. Following his recent assumption of leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Ishiba is seeking voter support for his party, which is currently embroiled in a major scandal involving undocumented political funds. This situation places the ruling party at risk of losing its majority in parliament, as indicated by various opinion polls.
Ishiba, who became Prime Minister on October 1, called for early elections to consolidate his power amid the ongoing controversy that has plagued his party. The LDP, alongside its coalition partner Komeito, is projected to struggle to secure an absolute majority of 233 seats in the 465-seat lower house. The scandal has led to accusations against some MPs of bribery and failure to declare income properly, severely undermining public trust in the party.
Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attempted to mitigate the fallout from the scandal by reshuffling his cabinet and disbanding internal party factions. However, he faced significant pressure to resign and announced he would not seek a second term.
Voter Sentiment and Policy Promises
As the election unfolds, Ishiba is aiming to present a vision of a
new Japan,
focusing on strengthening security and defense, increasing support for low-income families, and revitalizing rural areas. His campaign promises also include raising the minimum wage and addressing the high cost of living, which has been exacerbated by a weak yen and rising inflation.
Despite the challenges, analysts predict that the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan may gain ground, though not enough to oust the ruling coalition from power. The LDP is anticipated to lose several seats, marking a potential shift in the political landscape, yet it is expected to remain the dominant force in Japanese politics.
Ishiba has emphasized the importance of strengthening Japan's ties with the United States amid growing security concerns from regional powers like China and North Korea. The election results are expected to be announced on Sunday evening, with some results potentially delayed until Monday due to recounts or other issues.
