Official campaigning for Japan's upcoming parliamentary election started on Tuesday, with new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba seeking a mandate for his policies and reforms following the governing party's political funds scandal. Over 1,300 candidates are expected to enter the races for the 465-seat Lower House before registration closes later today.
Prime Minister Ishiba, who took office on October 1, called for the snap election. He began his campaign in Fukushima, pledging support for the area's recovery from the 2011 nuclear disaster, a tradition for Liberal Democratic Party leaders.
With the early election, Ishiba aims to secure a majority in the lower house, Japan's more powerful parliamentary chamber, before the initial support wanes. Critics have raised concerns about prioritizing the election over policies and limiting debate.
The ruling coalition, led by Ishiba's LDP and its junior partner Komeito, needs 233 seats for a majority. Prior to the dissolution, the coalition held 288 seats, with 256 belonging to the LDP.
The main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, views the public discontent over the LDP funds scandal as an opportunity to appeal to conservative swing voters. The CDPJ, now under centrist leader Yoshihiko Noda, is making a conservative shift to capitalize on the current political climate.
Noda emphasized that a leadership change represents a significant political reform. However, political analysts note that Japan's opposition remains fragmented, making it challenging to dislodge the long-standing ruling party from power.
Despite a slight decline in support for Ishiba's new government, the LDP remains the preferred choice among voters, according to a Kyodo News survey. The upcoming election will be closely watched as Japan navigates through these political developments.
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