Japan's LDP-led coalition loses majority amid political crisis after snap election

In Japan's recent general election, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito suffered a significant setback, losing their parliamentary majority for the first time in over a decade. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's party secured only 215 seats, a decrease from 279, while the LDP has ruled Japan for an extensive period, dominating 65 of the last 69 years. This election came on the heels of a severe corruption scandal that has severely damaged public trust in the LDP, resulting in a chastened response from Ishiba post-election, who acknowledged the election as 'very tough.' The Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) gained ground, increasing their seats from 98 to 148, showcasing the public’s desire for change amidst their dissatisfaction with the ruling coalition. However, despite the opposition parties winning a collective majority, forming a unified government is deemed unlikely due to divergent political stances among them. Potential coalition formations are complex, with the LDP remaining the largest party at 191 seats, needing to seek additional partners to establish a functional government. Ishiba is likely to negotiate with centrist and conservative parties, both of which have previously indicated a reluctance to enter a formal alliance. Public engagement in the election was notably low, with voter turnout dropping to approximately 53.84%, suggesting a growing disinterest in the political process. The results reveal profound public dissatisfaction and the need for serious political reform to restore confidence in the government.