Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, is expected to win a strong victory in Sunday’s snap lower house election. Early exit polls from public broadcaster NHK show that the ruling party is likely to return to power with a clear majority.
The election is seen as an important test of Takaichi’s leadership, just a few months after she became Japan’s first female prime minister.
Exit Polls Show Clear Majority
According to NHK exit polls, the LDP may win between 274 and 328 seats in the 465-seat Lower House. This is well above the 233 seats needed to form a majority.
Together with its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), the ruling group could win between 302 and 366 seats. If these numbers are confirmed, the government will be much stronger than before the election.
Heavy Snow Affects Voting Turnout
Voting took place during very cold weather, with heavy snow falling in many parts of Japan. Trains were delayed, flights were cancelled, and reaching polling stations was difficult for many voters.
Because of the weather, voter turnout was lower than last time. By late afternoon, turnout was about 21.6%, which is lower than the previous election at the same time.
Public Support for PM Takaichi
Takaichi became prime minister last autumn and quickly called a snap election to get public support for her government. Opinion polls before the vote showed she remains popular, especially among younger voters.
She had promised to step down if her coalition failed to win a majority. Based on exit polls, that situation now looks unlikely.
Economic Promises and Challenges Ahead
During the campaign, Takaichi focused on rising living costs. Her government introduced a $135 billion stimulus package and announced a record $783 billion budget for the next financial year.
She also promised to stop the 8% sales tax on food for two years. While this plan is popular with families, financial experts worry about Japan’s large debt, which is already more than twice the size of the country’s economy.
Weak Yen and Rising Prices
Japan continues to face economic problems. Inflation has stayed above the central bank’s target for nearly four years. Real wages have fallen for 11 months in a row, making life harder for workers.
The yen has also weakened and came close to 160 yen per US dollar earlier this year. While this helps exporters, it makes imports more expensive and pushes prices higher.
Tensions with China Remain a Concern
Relations between Japan and China have worsened in recent months. Takaichi angered Beijing by saying Japan could get involved if China tried to take Taiwan by force.
China responded by warning tourists and students against visiting Japan. These tensions have hurt cultural exchanges, but Takaichi’s tough stance has been welcomed by many voters at home.
Opposition Remains Weak
Japan’s opposition parties failed to unite strongly ahead of the election. The newly formed Central Reform Alliance is expected to win far fewer seats than before, leaving the ruling party with little challenge.
Political experts say this weak opposition helped the LDP secure more support.
What Happens Next
If the ruling coalition wins more than 261 seats, it will control key committees in parliament. A win of more than 310 seats would allow it to override the upper house and pass laws more easily.
Final results are expected late Sunday night. If confirmed, the victory will give Prime Minister Takaichi strong power to move ahead with her economic and security plans.
