Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party is projected to have lost control of the nation’s lower house of parliament yesterday. It marks the first time in more than a decade the conservative ruling party has lost its absolute majority in the chamber.
The LDP has dominated the Japanese government for all but four years since 1955. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, in office for less than a month, called a snap election in a bid to shore up support. Instead, analysts say the final tally due today will likely show the LDP falling short of a majority even when partnering with Komeito, its smaller longtime ally.
Among issues cited by voters was a string of scandals involving LDP officials taking kickbacks from political donors.
The Constitutional Democratic Party, the leading opposition group, had secured 148 seats to the LDP's 191 as of this writing (see updates). At least 233 seats are needed for a majority.
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