TOKYO
Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is reportedly in jeopardy of losing its majority in the upcoming general election, scheduled for October 27 this year. A poll indicates that the party’s standing has been significantly affected by a slush fund scandal, casting doubt on Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s efforts to restore public trust and party reputation.
The poll, conducted from October 11 to 14, revealed on Thursday, that nearly 30% of voters remain undecided, which adds uncertainty to the election outcome. Before the lower house’s dissolution, the LDP held 256 seats, while its coalition with the Komeito party controlled a total of 288 seats. To maintain a majority, the coalition needs at least 233 seats in the upcoming election.
The survey indicates that the LDP leads in only about half of the 289 single-seat districts, with many districts expected to be highly competitive. Additionally, the party is projected to lose seats in the proportional representation section, where it previously held 72 seats.
The improper reporting of fundraising income by some LDP members is likely to bolster support for the main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, led by former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda. This could help the opposition increase its current seat count of 98.
In a separate poll, support for Ishiba’s cabinet was recorded at just 28%, the lowest for new governments in Japan since 2000. This decline in support follows the dissolution of the lower house and has raised concerns about the LDP’s ability to govern effectively without relying heavily on its coalition partner, Komeito.
