Tokyo
Japan held a general election on Sunday, as newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba sought a fresh mandate amidst growing scrutiny over the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) handling of political funds. This election is significant as it marks the first general election since 2021, and voters will cast two ballots – one for a candidate in a single-seat constituency and another for a party in proportional representation. Results are expected by early Monday.
With a total of 1,300 candidates vying for 465 seats—289 in single-seat districts and 176 through proportional representation—the stakes are high for the LDP and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, as they aim to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives.
Ishiba, who took office on October 1, dissolved the lower house just eight days later, pledging to restore public trust and advance key policies, including easing inflation and enhancing national defense. However, his administration has been marred by a slush fund scandal, wherein the LDP allegedly provided 20 million yen (approximately $132,000) to local branches lacking official party backing. This controversy has diminished public support for the party, contributing to the resignation of Ishiba’s predecessor, Fumio Kishida.
The main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), seeks to capitalize on this discontent. Prior to the election, the ruling coalition controlled the lower house with 288 seats, significantly above the 233 needed for a majority. To amend Japan’s Constitution, the LDP needs a two-thirds majority of 310 seats, allowing them to propose revisions for a national referendum.
