In Japan's recent snap elections, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured more than half of the seats in the lower house, according to NHK's projections.
In the recent snap elections for Japan's House of Representatives held on Sunday, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is projected to have won more than half of the available seats. According to preliminary results and voter surveys released by NHK, the LDP could secure between 274 and 328 seats in the 465-seat chamber where a simple majority requires 233 seats. Previously, the LDP held 198 seats in the last assembly, highlighting a significant shift in voter support towards the party.
NHK's forecasts also suggest that in coalition with its partner, the conservative Innovation Party (Ishin), the LDP could achieve a total of 302 to 366 seats, which would enable them to command a supermajority in the lower house. A two-thirds majority is needed for certain legislative actions, with 310 seats required. This coalition could potentially strengthen the party's legislative power and influence in Japan's political landscape, especially with the current public backing for the LDP government.
Sanae Takaichi made history in October by becoming Japan's first female Prime Minister, and she called for these snap elections in mid-January, hoping to capitalize on the strong public support for her administration. By gaining a more robust mandate through these elections, Takaichi aims to solidify her position and implement her policy agenda more effectively, potentially shifting the dynamics of Japanese politics in the coming years.
