Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition has lost its majority in the lower house of parliament in Sunday’s election, a major setback attributed to voter outrage over the coalition’s financial scandals, The Associated Press reports.
Despite the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) remaining the largest party in parliament, the loss of majority creates political uncertainty and complicates Ishiba’s ability to implement his party’s policies.
The ruling coalition, which includes the LDP and its junior partner Komeito, secured only 215 seats in the 465-seat lower house, a significant drop from their previous majority of 279, according to Japanese media. This result marks the coalition’s worst performance since briefly losing power in 2009.
Ishiba, who took office in early October, had called for the election in an attempt to bolster support after his predecessor Fumio Kishida failed to address public anger over the LDP’s scandals. However, the election results indicate that voters remain unconvinced.
“The results so far have been extremely severe, and we take them very seriously,” Ishiba said on national television. “I believe the voters are telling us to reflect more and become a party that lives up to their expectations.”
Despite the setback, Ishiba stated that the LDP would continue to lead a ruling coalition and prioritize key policies, including a supplementary budget and political reform. He also indicated a willingness to cooperate with opposition groups if necessary.
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), led by Yoshihiko Noda, made significant gains, increasing its seats from 98 to 148. Noda called for a change of government, aiming to form a coalition with other opposition groups. However, his party has faced challenges in finding partners, and many voters remain skeptical of the opposition’s ability and experience.
Ishiba may consider forming alliances with the Democratic Party of the People (DPP) or the Japan Innovation Party. However, the DPP’s leader has expressed openness to a partial alliance, while the Innovation Party has denied any intention to cooperate.
Ishiba may also face internal challenges from scandal-tainted lawmakers within former leader Shinzo Abe’s faction, who were not endorsed by Ishiba in the election. This could lead to further divisions within the LDP and potentially shorten Ishiba’s tenure as Prime Minister.
