Polls Say Ruling LDP May Lose Outright Majority: Japan Election

  • Government set to lift more virus restrictions as cases fall
  • Surveys have shown conflicting results ahead of Oct. 31 vote

Voters cast ballots at an early polling location in the Minato district of Tokyo on Oct. 28.

Photographer: Kiyoshi Ota/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party will struggle to maintain its single-handed majority in parliament in Sunday’s election, according to two polls from major nationwide newspapers.

Losing the party’s outright majority would be a blow for Kishida, but his LDP is expected to remain in government with its junior coalition partner, Komeito. A significant drop in seat numbers, however, could weaken the new prime minister’s grip, increasing the risk of him being dispatched through the “revolving door” that claimed six premiers between 2007-2012.