Voters Cast Judgment on Kishida Administration in By-Elections
On April 28th, voters in Japan participated in three Lower House by-elections, marking the first opportunity to assess public sentiment towards the Kishida administration's handling of a damaging slush fund scandal involving the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The by-elections were held in the Shimane No. 1 district, the Nagasaki No. 3 district, and the Tokyo No. 15 district, all previously held by the LDP. These elections were the first national elections since the LDP factions' involvement in the scandal came to light in late 2022.
The Shimane No. 1 district, encompassing the prefectural capital of Matsue, garnered significant attention due to the head-to-head race between the LDP and the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP). The outcome of this race was expected to influence Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's strategy for dissolving the Lower House for a snap election.
On the final day of campaigning, both Kishida and CDP leader Kenta Izumi visited Shimane to support their respective candidates. Kishida urged voters to help the LDP achieve an "upset win" and use the victory to fuel LDP reform efforts. Izumi, on the other hand, emphasized the growing dissatisfaction with LDP-led politics and called for political reforms.
In the Tokyo No. 15 district, covering Koto Ward, nine candidates competed for the seat vacated by Mito Kakizawa, a former LDP member convicted of violating the Public Offices Election Law. The CDP, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Innovation Party), and the Democratic Party of Japan each fielded candidates, while Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike supported an independent candidate.
The Nagasaki No. 3 district, encompassing Sasebo, held a by-election following Yaichi Tanigawa's resignation after being fined for his involvement in the Abe faction's slush fund case. Two candidates from the CDP and Nippon Ishin parties contested the seat.
The results of these by-elections provided valuable insight into public opinion regarding the LDP's handling of the slush fund scandal and could potentially influence the Kishida administration's future political strategies.