JUST IN: Japan's Ruling Bloc Loses Parliamentary Grip

LDP-Komeito Coalition Loses Majority for First Time in 15 Years in Historic Election Upset

In a significant political shift, Japan's ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito Party has failed to secure a majority in the Lower House election held on the 7th, falling short of the 233 seats needed in the 465-seat chamber. This marks the first time in 15 years, since the Democratic Party of Japan's victory in 2009, that the ruling coalition has lost its majority.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (LDP President), who had set a coalition majority as his electoral target, now faces questions about his leadership. The ruling coalition, which held 279 seats before the election, has suffered a substantial setback.

The election was largely fought on the platform of political reform, following a major slush fund scandal involving LDP factions. Among the candidates, 46 former lawmakers implicated in the scandal ran in single-seat constituencies, with 12 running as independents after being denied LDP endorsement.

While Prime Minister Ishiba had indicated the possibility of readmitting successful independent candidates who were previously involved with the party, even including such potential additions would not be sufficient to reach the majority threshold.

This outcome represents a significant shift in Japanese politics, as the ruling coalition's pre-election strength of 279 seats has dramatically diminished, reflecting public dissatisfaction with recent political scandals and calling for comprehensive political reform.

The election results signal a clear rebuke of the ruling coalition's handling of recent controversies and may herald a new era in Japanese politics.