Japan's ruling coalition is expected to secure over 310 seats in the recent House of Representatives election, which allows for the proposal of constitutional amendments.
In the latest House of Representatives election held in Japan, the ruling coalition is projected to exceed the two-thirds majority threshold required to propose constitutional amendments. This includes the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party, as reported by NHK. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's right-leaning agenda includes military, diplomatic, economic, and immigration policies, garnering significant political weight given the current environment described as 'Takaichi's dominance' by local media.
Securing two-thirds in the House of Representatives is an important milestone for Japan's conservatives who have long sought to amend the post-World War II 'peace constitution,' which prohibits military fortification and war. While a two-thirds majority in the House is necessary to propose amendments, these proposals must still pass a national referendum with a simple majority of valid votes. This context underscores the importance of not only gaining legislative control but also navigating public sentiment, which has historically resisted such changes.
The overwhelming victory for Takaichi's coalition marks a significant political shift, reminiscent of the last time a ruling coalition achieved more than two-thirds support during Shinzo Abe's tenure in 2017. Comparatively, subsequent attempts by other prime ministers to secure even a simple majority in the House of Representatives have been less successful, emphasizing the rarity and importance of this current political moment for the party and the implications for Japan’s future constitutional landscape.
