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Political uncertainty in Japan

Government in flux after voters deal “severe judgement” to ruling coalition and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Posted on 29 October, 2024
Political uncertainty in Japan

The shape of Japan’s future government is uncertain after a snap general election called by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba left no party with a clear mandate to lead.

Ishiba, pictured, has vowed to continue ruling the country despite the coalition led by his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) losing its majority in parliament after suffering its worst result in more than a decade.

He said the LDP had received “severe judgement” from voters and the result also sent the yen currency to a three-month low as analysts predict days, or possibly, weeks, of political wrangling to form a government, reports Reuters.

Ishiba became prime minister this month after winning the leadership of his party and swiftly called a snap election to seal his mandate.

However, the LDP and its junior coalition partner Komeito only won a combined 215 seats, down from 279 in the last election and short of the 233-seat majority needed to govern.

The election result comes after a funding scandal, a cost-of-living crunch and record-low approval ratings.

The big winner in the poll was the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) on 148 seats, up from 98 previously.

Japan’s parliament now has 30 days to convene and choose a prime minister, reports the BBC. The chosen prime minister’s party or coalition will form the government and can do so even without a majority of seats.