Japan's Ruling Party Braces for a Blow to Its Comfortable Majority in the Lower House in Elections

On manifesto pledges, we're willing to work with any party, be they government or opposition,

he said

Prime Minister Ishiba has been saying what needs to be said about the economy, diplomacy and security and he does not come across as dishonest,

Omura said

It won't be possible for Ishiba to secure a stable government after the election because he floundered despite his push for party renewal,

said Masahiro Iwasaki, a professor at Nihon University

Prime Minister Ishiba's decision to dissolve the lower house quickly indicates he did not pay attention to unaffiliated voters."

Hanako Omura, a professor at Kyoto University, said

It feels like more and more voters want to tighten the screws on the LDP this time, almost as a form of punishment. But what will come out of it? Another nightmarish change of government?"

A ruling party lawmaker in the upper house said before the vote

The criteria for withdrawing official endorsements are not clear, and I have no choice but to question why the party sent us funds" worth $130,000

Hagiuda said in a video clip, describing the provision of money intended for party chapters to expand the LDP's strength as "unwanted."

When voters supporting the ruling party are dissatisfied with the state of the economy, they are quick to withdraw their support. But a similar trend is not observed among opposition supporters. This is what history tells us about the unique nature of Japanese voting behavior,

the expert added

It's not just the number of seats in parliament that matters. The key in Japanese politics is whether politicians can end this sense of social stagnation" that has persisted since Abe

he added

I didn't expect such sizable gains by the opposition bloc. The main opposition party has gained strength by focusing mostly on the LDP's scandal, but another change of government can be possible in the future if it wins over voters with more concrete policy steps,

he said

I’m in the party where I cannot ignore those who don’t agree with what I say. In trying to manage these dynamics, I feel I’ve lost my sense of self,

he said

That's basically the scenario for 'sell Japan',

said Naka Matsuzawa, chief macro strategist at Nomura Securities

He'll be considerably weakened as a leader, his party will be weakened in the policies that it particularly wants to focus on, because bringing in a coalition partner will cause them to have to make certain compromises with that party, whatever party it may be,

said Jeffrey Hall, an expert on Japanese politics at the Kanda University of International Studies

The public's criticisms against the slush funds scandal has intensified, and it won't go away easily,

said Izuru Makihara, a University of Tokyo professor of politics and public policy

The CDP or Noda can be an alternative to the LDP. Many voters think so,

Kamikubo said

The LDP's politics is all about quickly implementing policies for those who give them loads of cash,

67-year-old Noda told his supporters on Saturday

Ishiba may be treated dismissively by the United States because he is new", and if

Ikezoe said

But those in vulnerable positions... have been ignored,

he added, accusing the government of offering insufficient support for survivors of an earthquake in central Japan

We want to start afresh as a fair, just and sincere party, and seek your mandate,

Ishiba said at a rally on Saturday

I made my decision first and foremost by looking at their economic policies and measures to ease inflation,

Tokyo voter Yoshihiro Uchida, 48, told AFP on Sunday

I want to focus on young candidates rather than those who have had a long career, because they may bring something different,

said a 63-year-old voter who gave her surname as Taniyama,