Komeito Leader Keiichi Ishii Resigns After Election Loss
Komeito leader Keiichi Ishii announced his resignation on October 31st, following the party's disappointing performance in the Lower House election. The junior coalition partner lost eight seats, and Ishii himself was ousted from the Diet.
Ishii took responsibility for the "extremely poor showing at the polls," stating that the party leader must be accountable for expressing the party's views through Diet debates. He acknowledged the losses in Osaka Prefecture, the party's traditional stronghold, and the challenges posed by Nippon Ishin in the Kansai region.
With only 24 seats remaining in the 465-seat lower chamber, Komeito will hold an extraordinary convention on November 9th to choose a new leader. Land minister Tetsuo Saito and policy affairs chief Mitsunari Okamoto are potential candidates.
Ishii's resignation marks the end of his brief tenure as leader, having taken the top post on September 28th. Secretary-General Makoto Nishida will remain in the party's No. 2 position.