Japan Elections: Shinzo Abe’s Party Misses Majority for the First Time in 15 Years; PM Ishiba Vows to Stay in Office.
Tokyo – Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), once led by Shinzo Abe, has lost its parliamentary majority for the first time in 15 years, securing only 191 seats with a loss of 65. Together with its partner, Komeito, the coalition has won 215 seats, short of the 233 required to maintain control.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who was elected party leader just last month, had called for these elections. After results showed a strong setback for his party, PM Ishiba acknowledged the public’s tough verdict and stated he would not seek a new coalition. While Japanese media speculated that Ishiba might resign if the LDP failed to secure a majority, Ishiba confirmed he would remain in office, avoiding a record as one of Japan’s shortest-serving post-war prime ministers.
Impact of Scandals on LDP
For the first time since 2009, the LDP has lost its majority, with scandals involving LDP members impacting public support. According to the BBC, declining popularity has been tied to corruption cases, with several LDP lawmakers accused of misappropriating political donations. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Kishida dismissed several cabinet members implicated in these scandals, though public frustration remained high, eventually forcing Kishida to step down.
Opposition Gains Strength
The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), LDP’s main rival, made significant gains. CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda announced efforts to form an alliance to unseat the current government, though CDP’s coalition, with 163 seats, remains far from forming a government.
Historic Win for Women Candidates
In a notable development, a record number of female candidates won seats. NHK News reported that 73 women were elected to the 465-seat House, a marked increase from the 45 female MPs elected in 2021.
Shinzo Abe: Japan’s Longest-Serving Prime Minister and Global Leader
Shinzo Abe, a towering figure in Japanese politics, served two terms as Japan’s Prime Minister—from 2006-2007 and again from 2012-2020—making him the longest-serving leader in Japan’s history. A member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Abe was known for his bold economic strategy, “Abenomics,” which aimed to boost Japan’s economy through easy monetary policies, government spending, and structural changes.
Abe was also a strong advocate for a more proactive Japanese defense, pushing to revise Japan’s post-World War II constitution, particularly Article 9, which limits Japan’s military role. His goal was a stronger Japan on the global stage, though he faced considerable opposition to these changes.
In 2020, Abe resigned due to a chronic health issue, ulcerative colitis, bringing an end to his time in office. Tragically, on July 8, 2022, he was assassinated while giving a campaign speech in Nara, a shocking event that reverberated worldwide. Abe’s influence, especially in economic and defense policy, continues to shape Japan’s future and global relations.