Ishiba Shigeru, the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan, has been re-elected prime minister in parliamentary elections. It is expected that Ishiba, who became the country’s 103rd prime minister in the second round of the parliamentary elections, will form a minority government. “I will display a sincere approach to all parties,” Ishiba, who was re-elected prime minister, told reporters.
Following the early general elections in Japan on October 27, a prime ministerial election was held in the national assembly. Ahead of the elections, LDP leader and Prime Minister Ishiba’s cabinet resigned in the morning. In the first round of the national assembly’s prime ministerial election, no candidate received the 233 votes needed for a majority. The second round pitted LDP leader Ishiba against Noda Yoshihiko, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP). As a result, Ishiba was officially elected as the 103rd prime minister of Japan, receiving 221 votes. Noda, who served as prime minister in 2011-12, received 160 votes. MINORITY GOVERNMENT PLANNED “I will take a sincere approach to all parties,” Ishiba, who was re-elected prime minister, told reporters. “It is important to make sure that Japan is a peaceful country and that livelihoods improve. We agree with the People’s Democratic Party (DPP) and the CDP on these issues,” Ishiba said. Based on the poll report cards dated October 27, Ishiba is expected to form a minority government. The new Ishiba cabinet will take office after being accepted by Japanese Emperor Naruhito. EARLY GENERAL ELECTION REPORT CARD The ruling coalition lost a great deal of power in the election, which was held as a result of the LDP’s fund scandal. In the early general election held on October 27, the LDP’s seat count fell from 247 to 191, while its partner Komeito’s seat count fell from 32 to 24. The LDP-Komeito coalition, which has a total of 215 seats, needs 18 seats for a majority. The CDP and the People’s Democratic Party (Koku-min) increased their presence in parliament in the last election. The main opposition CDP’s seat count increased from 98 to 148, Koku-min from 7 to 28, and Reiwa Shinsengumi from 3 to 9.
