Prime Minister of Japan Shigeru Ishiba has once again become the Prime Minister of the country. On Monday, Japan's parliament elected him as the next prime minister. Parliamentary elections were held in Japan on October 27. Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority in this election.
In the parliamentary elections, the LDP won only 191 seats and lost 65 seats. This was the party's worst performance in the last 15 years. A special session of Parliament was convened on Monday, November 11. For the first time in the last 30 years, Japan went to the polls to choose the Prime Minister.
Ishiba, backed by other parties, defeated main opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda 221-160. However, a majority in the 465-seat Parliament requires a figure of 233.
He refused to resign after losing the election Even after losing the election in October, Ishiba refused to step down. Ishiba offered alliances with other parties. Most of the ministers of the previous cabinet will be reappointed in the new government. However, 3 ministers have lost their seats in the elections. New members will take their place.
Yoshihiko Noda, head of the Democratic Party of Japan, attempted to form an opposition coalition against Ishiba. However, Noda was not successful in this endeavour. Lacking an absolute majority in parliament, Ishiba may face difficulties in running the government.
Ishiba will need the support of opposition parties on the budget and other legislation.
Corruption revelations hurt This is the first time since 2009 that the LDP has not won a majority. According to the BBC, the reason behind not achieving a majority is that the LDP leaders are embroiled in several scandals. This is the reason why LDP's popularity is steadily declining. Earlier this year, the LDP's approval rating fell below 20%.
What were the allegations of corruption? LDP MPs were accused of embezzling political donations received by the party. By manipulating the account, he transferred the party's money to his own account. PM Kishida removed several cabinet ministers and others from their posts after the matter came to light.
However, this did not calm the anger of the people. Due to which Fumio Kishida had to resign from the post of Prime Minister.
The LDP's biggest rival, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), fared better. CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda said they are trying to build a coalition to oust the current government. The CDP coalition currently has 163 seats and is far from forming the government.
A record number of women candidates won According to NHK News, this time in Japan, women have won a record number of votes to become MPs. This time, 73 women have won in the 465-seat house. Only 45 women could win the 2021 elections.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
