PM Ishiba may be taken to power in Japan, ruling coalition lags behind in exit polls, far-right emerges as a major force

News Topical, Digital Desk : Japan's ruling coalition is set to lose seats in parliament's upper house, NHK television reported on Sunday, as the far-right Sanseto party emerged as a force.

Ishiba's coalition needs to win at least 50 more seats to get a simple majority of 125 seats, but the counting so far shows that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito will not get a majority. Now counting is left for only six seats. Voters have elected 124 out of 248 seats in the upper house of Japan's parliament 'Diet'.

Ishiba's coalition may get 40-43 seats

Exit polls released on Japan's NHK television predict Ishiba's coalition will win 32-51 seats, while other channels predict his coalition will win 40-43 seats. LDP alone is projected to win 32 to 35 seats, which is the lowest number of seats won by a party. LDP is still the number one party in Parliament.

According to NHK, the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party is expected to get 18 to 30 seats, while it had earlier won 22 seats. The far-right Sanseto Party is impressing people with its 'Japanese First' campaign and tough immigration stance. This party is expected to get 10-22 seats. It had earlier won one seat. This party was started through YouTube during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The fear of political instability in the country increased

This party has three seats in the lower house. The possibility of political instability in the country may increase due to the reduction in the seats of the ruling coalition led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who is running a minority government. Although the voting will not directly affect the government of Prime Minister Ishiba, but a setback in the upper house will increase the pressure on him.

Ishiba's party's performance in the lower house elections held in October was its worst in 15 years. Ishiba is running a minority government. There is a threat of a no-confidence motion. Voices have started rising from within his own party for a change in leadership. After the voting ended, Ishiba said, this is a difficult situation. I accept it humbly and honestly.

He expressed his desire to remain in office to deal with economic and security challenges. He said, I will fulfill my responsibility and work for the country. Exit polls have shown that opposition parties advocating tax cuts have influenced voters. People are angry with the government due to rising inflation - especially the surge in the price of rice. 

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