Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently faced a political challenge as his ruling Liberal Democratic Party suffered defeats in three crucial by-elections. This setback has led to speculation about potential changes in the political landscape and the effectiveness of Kishida's leadership in retaining power. In one of the key by-elections held in Shimane Prefecture, traditionally an LDP stronghold, the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, emerged victorious.
Despite Kishida's efforts to rally support for the LDP candidate, the defeats in all three by-elections, including one caused by a political fund scandal involving an LDP incumbent, have raised concerns within and outside the party about accountability and strategy. The failures in the by-elections have not only destabilized the LDP but have also triggered internal criticism against the prime minister, with questions arising about his ability to lead the party effectively in future elections. In an attempt to address the political fund scandal, the LDP proposed revisions to the Political Fund Control Law to prevent similar incidents, but other parties are pushing for stricter measures, potentially leading to more confrontations in the Diet session.
The recent by-election results have cast doubt on Kishida's future as the face of the LDP, especially as he plans to seek re-election as LDP president in September. The losses in the by-elections, coupled with low public support for his Cabinet, have prompted concerns within the LDP and speculation about the prime minister's strategy moving forward. Despite initial plans for a general election at the end of the current Diet session, the defeats have made dissolving the Lower House more challenging for Kishida, leading to uncertainties about his candidacy. The upcoming 2025 Diet elections add further complexity, as growing unease among LDP lawmakers about Kishida's leadership raises the possibility of him abandoning his presidency candidacy.