Japanese voters are participating in an election expected to deliver a significant win for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her conservative coalition. Despite heavy snowfall in some regions, polls indicate the coalition, consisting of Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, could secure around 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house. A win of 310 seats would give them the ability to override the upper chamber, where they currently lack a majority.
Takaichi, who became Japan’s first female prime minister in October, has gained popularity for her straightforward approach and promises such as suspending the 8% sales tax on food for two years to ease the impact of rising prices. Her support is particularly strong among younger voters, although this group tends to have lower turnout rates.
**Why this matters**
A decisive victory for Takaichi would strengthen her mandate to implement key policies, including tax relief measures aimed at addressing inflation and economic challenges. Control of the lower house could also allow the coalition to push through legislation without upper house approval, potentially shaping Japan’s political and economic direction in the coming years.
Source: NewsData