Japan's ruling party

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are projected to lose their majority in the lower house during the recent elections, primarily due to public dissatisfaction stemming from financial scandals and economic stagnation. New Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who took office on October 1, called a snap election in an attempt to regain support following the resignation of his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, amid corruption outcry. Early projections indicate that the LDP may secure only 181 seats, a significant decline from previous numbers, while the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP), is expected to gain substantially, reaching 159 seats. This election marks a critical moment for Japan, with a record number of candidates, including 314 women, competing for a total of 465 seats. The results could lead to increased political uncertainty, as Ishiba's coalition is anticipated to fall short of the 233 seats needed for a majority. Overall, the public's focus on economic policy and the handling of scandals has reshaped the electoral landscape, granting the opposition a potential rise in influence.