Voting begins in Japan’s general election, whether the ruling coalition can gain a majority of seats becomes the focus

On the morning of October 27, the voting for Japan’s 50th House of Representatives election officially commenced, as reported by the Asahi Shimbun. A primary focus of this election is whether the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito can secure a majority of the seats.

Before the election, the LDP-Komeito coalition held 279 seats, and to maintain their governing status, they need to win at least 233 seats in this election.

On October 26, with the aim of achieving a “majority for the LDP-Komeito,” Prime Minister and LDP President Shigeru Ishiba addressed crowds in his Tokyo constituency, during which he offered an apology regarding the “black money scandal.”

Meanwhile, the major opposition parties, including the Constitutional Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai, have united in their pursuit of accountability concerning the LDP’s scandals. There is considerable interest in whether these opposition parties can expand their influence in the House of Representatives.

Voting is scheduled to conclude on the evening of the 27th, with the final results expected to be announced late that night or in the early hours of the 28th.