Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has secured a historic electoral victory as the Liberal Democratic Party returned to power with a commanding parliamentary majority. Early results show the ruling bloc comfortably crossing the majority mark, reinforcing political stability.
Takaichi Returns to Power as Ruling Bloc Crosses Majority Mark
Tokyo: Japanese politics has once again witnessed a major shift. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, has returned to power with a record-breaking victory in the parliamentary elections. Preliminary results from the election held on Sunday, February 8, showed the ruling coalition secured a two-thirds majority, clearing the way for the formation of a government.
Following the landslide victory, Takaichi stated in an interview that her priority would be to advance policies that would make Japan more developed, stronger, and self-reliant. She indicated that the government would pay special attention to economic reform, security policy, and technological innovation. Following the victory, she arrived at LDP headquarters, where workers celebrated enthusiastically.
According to media reports, the LDP alone had won 316 seats by Monday morning. A majority in Japan's 465-member lower house requires 261 seats, which the party easily surpassed. This is considered the strongest mandate since the LDP was founded in 1955. Previously, in 1986, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, the party won 300 seats.
In this election, opposition parties attempted to challenge the LDP by forming a new coalition, but they failed to sway voters. Takaichi was confident that her party, along with its new ally, the Japan Innovation Party, would secure a clear majority, a result that now appears to be coming true.
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Takaichi stated that she would pursue her policies while also seeking the support of the opposition. Although the LDP has faced controversies related to funding and religious ties in recent years, Takaichi's popularity remained intact. Her decision to call early elections within three months of assuming power has proven politically successful.
With this overwhelming mandate, expectations from the Takaichi government have now increased to ensure economic stability, strengthen security and make Japan's role more effective on the global stage.
