Ishiba’s coalition loses majority in Japan’s lower house election
Loss complicates Ishiba's policy efforts amid financial scandals
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition will lose its majority in the 465-seat lower house following Sunday’s parliamentary election, according to NHK public television. The outcome reveals voter anger over the governing party’s financial scandals.
Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito are set to lose their majority of 233 seats in the lower house, the more influential of the two chambers of Japan’s parliament, NHK reported. While losing the majority doesn’t change the government, it complicates Ishiba’s efforts to pass his party’s policies, potentially requiring a third coalition partner.
Ishiba, who assumed office on 1 October, called the election to bolster support after his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, failed to quell public outrage over the LDP’s financial misconduct.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba promised Monday to take on the responsibility of restoring political stability following the loss of his ruling coalition’s majority in a lower house election for the first time since 2009 https://t.co/RWDgfig6Gr
— Bloomberg (@business) October 28, 2024
This development follows an earlier story indicating Ishiba’s conservative ruling party faced a blow to its majority due to public discontent over financial scandals and a stagnant economy. NHK exit polls confirmed the LDP would lose its majority in the lower house. It remains uncertain if the coalition with Komeito can maintain a majority.
These results could weaken Ishiba’s authority. If he cannot secure parliamentary support for his policies, a third coalition partner may be necessary. Ishiba acknowledged the severity of the results and the need for reflection on financial wrongdoings, expressing a commitment to align with public expectations.
If the coalition loses its majority, the LDP will still aim to lead, focus on key policies, and pursue political reform. Ishiba indicated openness to cooperation with opposition groups if it aligns with public expectations.
A total of 1,344 candidates, including a record 314 women, are vying for seats, with early results expected within hours. Ishiba set a goal of retaining a majority of 233 seats for the coalition. NHK exit polls suggest the LDP would win between 153 and 219 seats, down from its previous 247, while Komeito is expected to secure 21 to 35 seats.
In his final speeches in Tokyo on Saturday, Ishiba apologised for his party’s financial mismanagement and asserted that only the LDP’s coalition could govern Japan responsibly due to its experience and reliable policies.
Once a popular critic of his own party, Ishiba has seen support for his new Cabinet decline. The opposition, led by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and its centrist leader Yoshihiko Noda, is expected to make significant gains, potentially increasing seats from 98 to as many as 191. Noda views the election as a rare opportunity for government change and effective political reform, though coalition-building remains a challenge.
At a Tokyo polling station on Sunday, voters considered corruption and economic policies in their decisions. Analysts believe the LDP will remain Japan’s top party due to voter scepticism about the opposition’s capabilities and inexperience.
Japan's ruling LDP-Komeito coalition lost its lower house majority in Sunday's general election. The results cast uncertainty over the fate of new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Here's how it happened: https://t.co/2WzeUJkDWG pic.twitter.com/HydtIvLcWm
— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) October 28, 2024
Izuru Makihara, a University of Tokyo professor, noted increasing public demand for fairness and rejection of political privileges. He suggested Ishiba needs bold reforms to regain trust. Ishiba has promised to revitalise the rural economy, address the declining birth rate, and strengthen defence. However, his Cabinet, with only two women and familiar faces, has alienated some party factions and led to a drop in his popularity.
Rintaro Nishimura, a political analyst, attributed the decline to the gap between public expectations and Ishiba’s performance. The LDP faces a test in breaking from the legacy of former premier Shinzo Abe, whose policies neglected equality and diversity, leading to corruption.
Observers anticipate possible regrouping among opposition parties, considering cooperation or joining the ruling coalition. Potential new partners for the LDP include the Democratic Party of the People and the conservative Japan Innovation Party, though both currently reject coalition possibilities.
The LDP is less cohesive and may face a period of short-lived prime ministers. Ishiba is expected to remain in office at least until the end of December when key budget plans are approved.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Kyodo News reports Japan’s PM Ishiba seeks partners after ruling bloc loses lower house majority, highlighting deepening distrust in the LDP and substantial gains for opposition parties.(read more)
- Al Jazeera reports Japan’s ruling coalition losing majority in elections, a serious blow to new PM Ishiba, as LDP suffers its worst result in 15 years and opposition gains ground.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in the recent Japanese parliamentary election?
The ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba lost its majority in the 465-seat lower house.
Why did the ruling coalition lose its majority?
Voter anger over financial scandals and dissatisfaction with the stagnant economy led to the loss.
What does losing the majority mean for Ishiba’s government?
It complicates efforts to pass policies, potentially requiring a third coalition partner.
How many seats did the LDP and Komeito win in the election?
NHK exit polls suggest the LDP would win 153-219 seats and Komeito 21-35 seats.
What are Ishiba’s plans to regain public trust?
Ishiba promised to address financial wrongdoings, revitalize the rural economy, and strengthen defense.
