50% of supporters of the Takai cabinet voted for the Ishin party: Exit polls in Osaka's House of Representatives election
An exit poll in Osaka's House of Representatives election revealed that 50% of Takai cabinet supporters voted for the Ishin party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape.
In the recent House of Representatives election held in Japan, the Ishin party won in 18 out of 19 electoral districts in Osaka, while the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) managed to secure victory in the 19th district. This election marked the first defeat for the Ishin party in Osaka since 2017. According to an exit poll conducted by Asahi Shimbun, the Ishin party attracted a broader base of support, receiving votes from LDP supporters and undecided voters alike. Despite the Ishin party's loss, the overall strength of the LDP was noted, fueled by the popularity of Prime Minister Sanaa Takai, which resulted in a significant gain in seats nationally.
The exit poll was conducted across 570 polling stations within Osaka, obtaining responses from 23,332 individuals. The newly elected candidates included a mix from several parties, with the LDP fielding 18 candidates and the Ishin party running 19. Ishin's candidate in the 19th district, former House member Nobuhisa Ito, faced a narrow defeat against the former LDP member Tomu Tanikawa. This election signals a pivotal moment in Osaka's political dynamics, reflecting not only local voter preferences but also the influence of national politics.
As parties prepare for the next election cycle, the outcomes in Osaka may prompt shifts in strategies and alliances, particularly for the Ishin party, which has aimed to consolidate its power within its stronghold. The results underscore the complexities of voter behavior in Japan, showing that local elections can be significantly impacted by national sentiment, particularly in a political climate influenced by strong leadership figures.