Japan Holds Snap Election as PM Ishiba Risks Losing Parliamentary Majority

Polling stations across Japan opened on Sunday for a snap legislative election, marking a critical moment for newly-appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. According to recent surveys, Ishiba’s ruling coalition is at risk of losing its parliamentary majority.

Ishiba, 67, called for the early election shortly after taking office on October 1, hoping to consolidate his leadership. However, his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), a right-leaning conservative party, faces significant challenges. The party, along with its coalition partner Komeito (center-right), is struggling to secure an outright majority of 233 seats out of the 465 in the House of Representatives, according to polls.

Losing the majority would be an extraordinary outcome, as the LDP has managed to dominate Japan's political landscape for nearly 69 years.

At a campaign rally on Saturday in Tokyo, Ishiba emphasized the party’s ambition to “start afresh on fair, just, and honest foundations.” He urged voters to support his vision of building a “new Japan” through policies focusing on national security, increased support for low-income families, and revitalizing rural areas.

However, the LDP’s credibility has been undermined by a financial scandal, which previously contributed to the decline in popularity of Ishiba’s predecessor, Fumio Kishida. The shadow of this scandal continues to challenge the party's attempt to regain public trust.