Despite predictions that his ruling coalition would lose its majority in the country’s upper chamber, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stated that he has no intentions to step down.
The fiercely contested election, which took place on Sunday, was held amid growing dissatisfaction with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito’s coalition over price increases and the possibility of US tariffs.
The prime minister stated that he “solemnly” accepted the “harsh result” but that he was concentrating on trade talks just after the polls closed on Sunday. The anticipated loss would weaken the coalition’s clout, which it already lost last year in Japan’s more powerful lower house.
The public broadcaster NHK’s exit poll predicts that the coalition will gain between 32 and 51 seats, which is the minimum number needed to maintain control of the upper house, which has 248 MPs.
“The ruling coalition is certain to lose their majority in the Upper House,” NHK predicted just after 4:00 p.m. local time on Monday, and 10:00 a.m. BST on Sunday. In Sunday’s election, members were chosen for six-year terms, and half of the upper chamber’s seats were up for vote.
Jeffrey Hall, a Japanese Studies lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, told BBC News that the LDP’s conservative base has been eroded by support for more right-wing groups.
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