Blurb: Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party is set to win 274 to 328 of the 465 seats in the chamber, well above the 233 needed for a majority.
Tokyp
Japan’s ruling party is poised for a commanding victory after voters went to the polls on Sunday, with public broadcaster NHK projecting a large parliamentary majority for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Based on nationwide exit polls, NHK forecast that the Liberal Democratic Party will comfortably clear the threshold needed to govern, reinforcing expectations of political continuity in the world’s fourth-largest economy.
According to the broadcaster, Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party is set to win between 274 and 328 of the 465 seats in the powerful lower house of parliament. That tally is well above the 233 seats required for an outright majority, giving the ruling bloc a strong mandate and significant room to maneuver when advancing legislation and shaping national policy.
The snap election was called amid rare winter conditions and at a time of high personal popularity for the prime minister. Takaichi, 64, Japan’s first female leader, decided to dissolve parliament to capitalise on buoyant approval ratings that have remained strong since she assumed leadership of the LDP late last year. Analysts say the move was designed to secure a fresh and stable mandate before economic headwinds or political challenges could erode public support.
During the campaign, Takaichi emphasised economic resilience, wage growth, and national security, arguing that a strong and unified government was essential to navigate global uncertainty and regional tensions. Her message appeared to resonate with voters seeking stability, particularly as Japan faces rising living costs, an ageing population, and complex geopolitical dynamics in East Asia.
Opposition parties struggled to gain traction against the ruling party’s momentum, despite raising concerns about income inequality, government transparency, and the concentration of power. While heavy snowfall in parts of the country disrupted travel and threatened turnout in some rural areas, exit polls suggest the weather did little to blunt support for the LDP overall.
The election determines control of the lower house of the National Diet, which holds decisive authority over the prime minister’s appointment and the passage of budgets and key legislation. A decisive majority would allow Takaichi to govern with fewer compromises and pursue longer-term reforms.