Japanese triennial election for House of Councillors have started on Sunday, Nikkei reported. Media polls have indicated prime minister’s ruling bloc is expected to keep the majority.
Japan’s prime minister Shinzo Abe hopes to gain enough seats to boost chances for a constitutional revision, his traditional goal before his term ends in 2021.
This Sunday, Japanese people have opportunity to vote for the candidate to the upper chamber of the country’s bicameral parliament, a day after leaders of the ruling and opposition parties made their last-minute pitches to voters.
Abe’s main opposition today is the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, three other liberal-leaning parties teamed up in some parts of the country as well. The opposition wing persistently shows its vocal support for gender equality and LGBTQ rights.
Parliament election in Japan: Abe’s party leads so far
Prime minister Abe’s priorities are clear and understandable, revitalizing economy remains a central question. Another important issue is Japan’s defences in the backdrop of North Korea’s nuclear threats and China’s growing military presence.
The relations between the US and Japan are getting warmer thanks to the excellent diplomatic skills of PM Abe who is steadily cultivating friendly ties with Donald Trump.
Up for grabs are 124 seats in the less powerful of Japan’s two chambers that doesn’t choose the prime minister. There are 245 seats in the upper house, about half of which are elected every three years.
According to the political experts, PM Abe and his conservative supporters inevitably face challenges because voters seem more concerned about their jobs, the economy and social security.
Up to date, in order to secure two-thirds in the upper house, PM’s ruling bloc and backers need 85 seats. Media surveys have indicated that Abe’s LDP and its partner Komei are expected to win a majority, not a supermajority.
