Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s governing party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), suffered a significant setback in Sunday's parliamentary by-elections. Preliminary results and media exit polls indicate that the LDP may have lost all three seats up for grabs. This electoral defeat is widely seen as a voter backlash against the party's involvement in a corruption scandal that has plagued Kishida’s leadership.
The scandal, which unfolded last year, has severely impacted the LDP's standing with the public. The party's loss in the by-elections is viewed as a stern rebuke from voters. Despite this setback, the fractured nature of the opposition makes it unlikely for the LDP to lose power.
LDP Secretary General Toshimitsu Motegi acknowledged the severity of the results and expressed a commitment to regaining public trust through reform efforts and addressing challenges faced by the party.
The main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), is poised to secure victory in all three contested seats in Shimane, Nagasaki, and Tokyo. CDPJ leader Kenta Izumi emphasized that the by-elections were centered on political reforms and indicated a willingness to push for early national elections if reforms by the governing party are deemed insufficient.
The defeat in Shimane prefecture, a traditional stronghold for the LDP, has sent shockwaves through the governing party. This loss could potentially weaken Kishida’s position, as some LDP lawmakers may seek a change in leadership ahead of the next general election.
Kishida, who has been grappling with plummeting support ratings since the scandal emerged, has taken steps to address the issue by removing Cabinet ministers and implementing internal reforms. However, public support for his government remains low, hovering around 20%.
The corruption scandal revolves around unreported political funds raised through party event tickets. Several individuals, including lawmakers and their aides, have been indicted in connection with the scandal. Over 80 LDP lawmakers, predominantly from a faction previously led by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, have admitted to not reporting funds, potentially violating the Political Funds Control Law.
Despite not fielding candidates in Tokyo and Nagasaki due to low support, the LDP focused on defending the Shimane district seat left vacant by the passing of former LDP House Speaker Hiroyuki Hosoda, who was also linked to alleged irregularities, including the slush funds.
Akiko Kamei, a CDPJ candidate who emerged victorious in Shimane, described her win as a message to Kishida, citing voter discontent over the slush funds issue and the lack of improvements in the prefecture.
Final results from the by-elections are anticipated to be announced early Monday.
