Tokyo: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan experienced a significant setback in the recent Lower House elections, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape. The LDP, which held 247 seats in the lower chamber of the Diet, lost 56 seats in the election, falling short of the 233-seat majority required in the 465-member house. Even when combined with the 24 seats won by its coalition partner Komeito, the two parties collectively hold only 215 seats. This is the poorest performance since 2009 when the LDP lost power to the Democratic Party, marking the first time since then that the LDP has failed to secure a majority independently.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this overwhelming defeat presents a formidable challenge to the Shigeru Ishiba cabinet, with the prime minister facing the responsibility of having called a general election without anticipating such a loss. The election loss is attributed to various factors, including a slush fund scandal involving certain LDP factions and p
ublic dissatisfaction with diminishing real income due to high inflation. Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s resignation, following a steep decline in his approval ratings, further exacerbated the party’s struggles. The diminishing public support is a critical concern for any government’s survival.
The editorial suggests that the Yoon Suk Yeol administration in Korea should view the LDP’s defeat as an opportunity for introspection. With less than two weeks before reaching the halfway point of his term, President Yoon’s approval rating has plummeted to 20 percent, raising alarms about the remainder of his presidency. Notably, his approval rating among the crucial demographic of people in their 40s stands at a mere 6 percent.
In Japan’s parliamentary system, the prime minister has the option to dissolve the legislature and call for a general election to alter the political course. However, in Korea, only the president has the power to effect change by accurately assessing the current situation and fosterin
g closer connections with the populace. Such determination is essential to prevent further declines in approval ratings.
The editorial emphasizes the necessity for the government to carefully manage Korea-Japan relations to prevent further deterioration. The rise of the Constitutional Democratic Party, led by former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, known for his anti-Korean stance, along with the current prime minister’s potential focus on domestic issues, could strain bilateral ties. Additionally, North Korea’s military collaboration with Russia and the outcomes of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5 may impact security dynamics in Northeast Asia. Therefore, it is imperative for the government to prioritize maintaining stable relations with both Tokyo and Washington.