Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba wants to stay in office despite losing his ruling coalition’s absolute majority in Japan’s parliamentary elections. The conservative politician announced this at a press conference today. Given the political and economic challenges, Ishiba said stagnation should not be allowed.
However, his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito are now dependent on other parties to form a stable government in the world’s fourth-largest economy. Quoting government sources, the Kyodo news agency reported that a vote in parliament on the future prime minister could be held in a special session on November 11.
According to experts, it remains to be seen whether Ishiba can stay in office. His party was chastised by voters for party donation scandals and high inflation. Ishiba became head of government a month ago after his predecessor, Fumio Kishida, fell over his handling of corruption. Ishiba went ahead with the parliamentary elections hoping to secure a clear mandate.
Minor parties participate in negotiations
The biggest winner in Sunday’s election is now the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ). However, he is far from a majority in Parliament. Smaller parties have also made gains, and their role in negotiations to form a government is crucial.
Parliament must convene a special session within 30 days to allow both houses to vote for the Prime Minister. If elected, Ishiba will form a new cabinet. However, if parliament elects a new head of government, Ishiba’s tenure will be the shortest in post-war Japan, Japanese media noted the day after the general election.
