Japan is on the cusp of a historic election, with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) facing its most challenging test in years amid a funding scandal, rising inflation, and public frustration, Al Jazeera reports.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who assumed office in October following the resignation of his predecessor Fumio Kishida over corruption allegations, called for a snap election in a bid to regain public trust. However, recent opinion polls suggest the LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, are likely to lose their comfortable majority in the lower house of parliament.
The LDP aims to secure 233 seats, a majority in the 465-member lower house, but analysts believe this target might be out of reach. The party is facing pressure to break the legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose focus on security, trade, and industry, while neglecting equality and diversity, ultimately led to the corruption scandal that plagued the LDP.
Voters are expressing dissatisfaction with the LDP’s handling of the economy, with rising prices and the fallout from the slush fund scandal causing widespread discontent. This has given the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) an opportunity to gain significant ground. The CDP’s leader, former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, has positioned the election as a chance for a change in government.
The election is also notable for the record number of female candidates. A total of 314 women are running for office, a significant increase in representation.
If the LDP fails to secure a majority, Japan could face political uncertainty. Local media speculate that Ishiba might even resign, becoming the shortest-serving prime minister in Japan’s post-war history. The current record holder is Naruhiko Higashikuni, who served for 54 days.
Despite the LDP’s potential setback, analysts expect it to remain the largest party in parliament. Voters remain skeptical about the opposition’s ability and experience, suggesting that the LDP will likely remain the leading force in Japanese politics.
The outcome of this election will have significant implications for Japan’s future, setting the stage for political and economic policies in the years to come. The results are expected within hours of the polls closing at 8pm (11:00 GMT) on Sunday.
