The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) secured an absolute majority in Japan’s upper house in elections held on Sunday, under the heavy shadow of the assassination of former prime minister and leader of Japan’s right-wing faction Shinzo Abe.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s FDP secures at least 63 seats, more than half of the 125 that were decided yesterday, the Kyodo news agency reported today.
Together with its junior government partner, Komeito, the FDP secured more than 75 seats, comfortably maintaining a majority in the 248-seat body. The opposition Innovation Party secured more than ten seats, up from six.
The clear election victory consolidates Mr Kishida’s power as Japan’s economic recovery from the novel coronavirus pandemic is threatened by a crisis caused by rising energy and food prices.
Following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine and given China’s quest to increase its power and influence, the ruling party in Japan plans to rapidly increase the archipelago’s military spending.
The election was held two days after Shinzo Abe was assassinated while giving a campaign speech.
The man accused of the murder, 41, reportedly confessed to police that he had also tried to build a bomb, sources close to the investigation said on Sunday.
“Elections, the foundation of democracy, have been challenged by violence and it is of utmost importance that they were conducted normally. I will continue to work hard to protect democracy,” Mr Kishida said, referring to the assassination of his predecessor, according to Kyodo.
The turnout is estimated to have reached 52%, an increase compared to the 48.8% recorded in the previous elections for the renewal of the composition of the upper house, in 2019.
The 248 seats in the Japanese Senate are renewed by half every three years.
Given that the FDP (nationalist right) now has an absolute majority in the Senate, it can revise the country’s pacifist Constitution and strengthen Japan’s military role internationally, something Shinzo Abe has sought for years.
SOURCE: AMPE
Source: Capital
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