LDP's landslide victory in Japan, first female prime minister secures over two-thirds of seats in snap election

Japan's ruling party, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has won a landslide victory in snap parliamentary elections held on Sunday.

Tokyo's national public broadcaster reported that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), along with its ally Ishin party, has secured over two-thirds of the seats in the Lower House of Parliament, up to 328 out of a total of 465 seats.

This qualified majority gives the LDP the opportunity to bypass the Upper House, where the party does not enjoy a majority.

The first female prime minister in Japan's history decided to call a snap election to renew her mandate, just four months after taking over the leadership of the LDP. She had warned that she would resign if her party did not secure a parliamentary majority, turning this electoral process into a major political risk.

Takaichi's personal popularity played a significant role in this victory, as her government's approval ratings remain above 70%.

This victory comes in stark contrast to her two predecessors, during whose terms the party lost its parliamentary majority due to corruption scandals and increased public spending.

In 2024, the LDP lost its majority in both houses of parliament, and its decade-long alliance with the Komeito party also collapsed. The latter joined forces with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, forming the largest opposition bloc in the Lower House. In this context, Takaichi and the LDP faced a more united opposition than in the past.

Alliances led by the LDP have governed Japan for most of its post-World War II history, writes the BBC.

The election was held in difficult weather conditions, with train and ferry services being cancelled. Holding an election in winter is a rare event in Japan, the last time it happened was 36 years ago.

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