LDP Suffers Major Defeat
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) faced a significant setback in Japan's Lower House election on October 27, according to an Asahi Shimbun exit poll. The party was projected to win around 185 seats, a sharp decline from the 247 seats it held previously.
The LDP's junior coalition partner, Komeito, also experienced losses, with projections indicating a drop from 32 seats to 26. This combined total of 210 seats falls short of the 233 needed for a majority in the 465-seat Lower House.
This outcome marks the first time since 2009 that the ruling coalition has failed to secure a majority, signaling a potential change in government.
Independent candidates involved in a funding scandal were projected to win only around four seats, further diminishing the LDP and Komeito's chances of forming a majority government.
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) saw a significant gain, projected to win around 152 seats, an increase of over 50 seats from their previous total.
The second-largest opposition party, Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party), experienced a slight decline, projected to win around 35 seats compared to the 44 they held previously.
The Democratic Party for the People and Reiwa Shinsengumi are also expected to increase their seat count significantly, with projections of around 30 and 10 seats respectively.
The newly formed Conservative Party of Japan is also set to win at least one seat.