Japans ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) could be facing a significant change in its political standing. According to a poll by the Nikkei newspaper the party might lose its sole majority in the lower house for the first time in roughly 15 years
The poll‚ conducted with Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper‚ gathered 165‚820 valid responses nationwide. It suggests that the LDP may not secure the 233 seats required for an outright majority in the 465-seat chamber. This situation hasnt occurred since about 2009 – marking a potential shift in Japans political landscape
Other surveys‚ including those by TBS broadcaster and Kyodo news agency‚ also point to challenges for the LDP. The TBS poll indicates the party could lose around 30 seats while its long-standing partner‚ Komeito might shed a small number. Despite these projections‚ the LDP could still form a coalition government with Komeito
The upcoming election‚ scheduled for 27/10/2024‚ follows Prime Minister Shigeru Ishibaʼs dissolution of the lower house on 09/10/2024. Ishiba took leadership roughly a month ago after his predecessor‚ Fumio Kishida‚ ended his three-year tenure. Kishidaʼs resignation was prompted by public distrust stemming from funding scandals involving LDP politicians
As the election approaches‚ Japans political future hangs in the balance – the outcome could reshape the countrys governance structure and policy directions for years to come