Official announcements from the Japanese government or credible news sources like NHK

Japan's PM Ishiba's Ruling Coalition Loses Majority Amid Scandals

Oct 27, 2024, 12:35 PM

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito are projected to lose their majority in the 465-seat lower house following Sunday's tight snap election, according to NHK exit polls and other media outlets. This marks the first time since 2009—their worst result in 15 years—that the dominant conservative parties may fall short of a parliamentary majority in the world's fourth-largest economy. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's coalition faced significant public anger over financial scandals, including a slush funds scandal, and rising living costs, leading to gains by the main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP). NHK projects the LDP to win between 153 and 219 seats, below the 233 seats needed for a majority. The loss raises uncertainty over the makeup of the next government and Japan's policy direction.