Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is projected to fall short of a single-party majority following a closely contested snap election, according to exit polls released by broadcaster NHK. The LDP is estimated to secure between 153 and 219 seats in the lower house of the Diet, while the main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), is expected to win between 128 and 191 seats. A total of 233 seats is required for a party to control the house, indicating that the LDP will likely need to form a coalition to maintain power.
The election was called by the LDP’s newly elected leader, Shigeru Ishiba, just three days after he assumed leadership, preceding his official swearing-in as prime minister. This election comes in the wake of a tumultuous period for the LDP, which has been marred by a series of scandals, widespread voter apathy, and historically low approval ratings. Earlier this year, the party’s approval ratings dipped below 20% due to a political fundraising corruption scandal that rocked its leadership.
Despite the LDP’s challenges, opposition parties have struggled to unite or present themselves as viable alternatives to the ruling party. Prior to the dissolution of parliament, the main opposition party garnered an approval rating of only 6.6%. Many voters, like Miyuki Fujisaki, a long-time LDP supporter, expressed frustration with the lack of clear direction from opposition parties. “It’s hard to choose a party; I think people are losing interest,” Fujisaki said. “The opposition complains, but it’s not clear what they want to do.”
The political landscape in Japan has shifted rapidly in recent months. Ishiba, a seasoned politician and former defense minister, assumed leadership after former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced his unexpected resignation in August. Ishiba described the snap election as a “people’s verdict” as the LDP aims to rehabilitate its tarnished image.
The party’s reputation has been further damaged by its ties to the controversial Unification Church, which critics label a “cult,” and allegations of political corruption involving fundraising events. Investigations into dozens of LDP lawmakers have revealed accusations of misappropriating funds from these events, leading to significant internal turmoil.
“I feel the ruling party is in a wretched state,” said Michiko Hamada, who attended an opposition campaign rally in Urawa, on the outskirts of Tokyo. She expressed anger over the allegations of tax evasion amid rising living costs. Many citizens in Japan are feeling the pinch of rising prices, with food costs increasing significantly over the past two years. Hamada noted, “I’m paying 10,000 to 20,000 yen more for food each month. I’m trying to save, but things are just more expensive.”
The economic strain is palpable across the nation. Pensioner Chie Shimizu shared her struggle, stating that rising prices have forced her to work part-time to make ends meet. “Our hourly wage has gone up a bit, but it doesn’t match the prices,” she said, while searching for affordable options at a food stand.
As Japan navigates the aftermath of this election, the uncertainty surrounding the LDP’s governance and the growing discontent among voters could reshape the political landscape in the coming months.
