The official results are expected to be announced tomorrow, Monday.
Its conservative coalition government Japan is set to increase its upper house majority after today’s election, two days after the assassination of prominent party member and political figurehead, of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LPD) of Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida the Komeito party is expected to win between 69 and 83 seats out of the 125 to be renewed, according to exit polls by state broadcaster NHK. The Senate has a total of 248 seats, half of which are renewed every three years.
As the centre-left has not presented an attractive alternative Constitutional Democratic Party it risks losing some of the 45 seats it holds as well as its position as the official opposition party.
In a country often criticized for the lack of women in politics, institutions and business, a record 33% of the 545 candidates are women.
A landslide victory in these elections would consolidate Kishida’s power three years before the next election.
The official results are expected tomorrow Monday.
Elections to the less powerful Upper House are usually one referendum for the respective government. The change of government is not at risk, as this is determined by the Lower House.
But the result may help Kishida consolidate his dominance as he tries to steer Japan’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, curb rising consumer prices and bolster defenses at a time of tension with powerful neighbor China.
“It is important that we were able to hold these elections at a time when violence has shaken the foundations of elections.”said Kishida, after the exit poll.
“Right now, as we deal with issues like the coronavirus, Ukraine and inflation, solidarity within the government and coalition parties is vital,” he added.
The party held a minute’s silence for Abe at its headquarters in Tokyo as members waited for the results to be announced.
The LDP was projected to win as many as 69 seats, according to the exit poll, which would have given it a majority even without the Komeito.
His winnings could allow Kishida to revise Japan’s pacifist Constitution, a dream that Abe never achieved.
The parties that were open to revision of the Constitution pthey were seen to retain a two-thirds majority in the Upper House.
Kishida may move cautiously on constitutional change, but the apparent victory looks poised to pave the way for more defense spending, a key LDP election promise, said Robert Ward of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
Kishida “now has the green light for it,” Ward said.
Asked about the constitutional review on Sunday night, Kishida said he would focus on drafting a bill to be debated in parliament.
RES-EMP
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