Asia | Japan shakes

Voters deliver a historic rebuke to Japan’s ruling coalition

But the Liberal Democratic Party may still hang on to power

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba holds a press conference in Tokyo, Japan on October 28th 2024
Down, but not yet outPhotograph: Reuters
|Tokyo

JAPAN’S RULING coalition failed in lower-house elections on October 27th to secure a majority in parliament for the first time since 2009. This stunning rebuke of the long-dominant Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) reflects voters’ frustrations over recent political scandals and the rising cost of living. The results are a “severe judgment” of the LDP, said Ishiba Shigeru, who took over as party leader and prime minister this month. “We must reflect from the bottom of our hearts and transform.”

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This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline “Rebuffed ”

From the November 2nd 2024 edition

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