Japan's Ruling Coalition Poised for Landslide Victory in Lower House Elections

"...The elections for the lower house of Japan’s parliament, held on a freezing day when many parts of the country were again hit by heavy snow, will be seen as an early public endorsement of the new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi...."

"...She will not have long to savour her party’s victory, however...."

"...Her spending plans have rattled financial markets and caused currency volatility, prompting some commentators to question her approach given that Japan’s debt is more than twice the size of its GDP – the heaviest debt burden of any advanced economy...."

"...After a whirlwind introduction to diplomacy – including meetings with Donald Trump and Xi Jinping late last year – Takaichi sparked a row with Beijing in November when she suggested that Japan could become involved militarily in the event of a Chinese attempt to invade Taiwan...."

"...Takaichi’s refusal to withdraw her remarks may have angered Beijing, but it has played well with many voters...."

"...But if she follows through with the consumption tax cut, the market reaction could be swift and hostile, according to some analysts...."

"...Blizzard conditions in some regions made visiting a polling station in Sunday’s election, the first to be held in mid-winter for 35 years, a test of endurance for many voters...."

"...The weather, which is expected to contribute to a low turnout, caused widespread disruption on Sunday, halting services on dozens of train lines and forcing the cancellation of 230 domestic flights, according to the transport ministry...."

"...Takaichi’s personal popularity – particularly with younger voters – has transformed the LDP’s fortunes since winning the race to succeed Shigeru Ishiba as the party’s president in October...."

"...Under Ishiba, the LDP and its then coalition partner Komeito lost their majorities in both houses of parliament amid public anger over a slush fund scandal and the rising cost of food and other basics...."

"...The party, which has governed Japan for most of the past 70 years, was helped, as it has in previous elections, by a fractured and uninspiring opposition...."

"...The main opposition Centrist Reform Alliance – formed weeks before by two existing parties – was expected to suffer heavy losses on Sunday, leaving questions hanging over its future...."

"...The final count will not be known until late on Sunday...."

"...If the Takaichi-led coalition achieves an absolute majority of 261 seats, it will control parliamentary committees, making it easier to pass budget and other legislation...."

"...A super-majority of 310 seats would allow the coalition to override the upper house, where the LDP-led alliance lost its majority in July last year...."