Tokyo, July 21 (V7N) – Japan’s ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its partner Komeito, is poised to lose its majority in the upper house of the National Diet, according to exit polls and early vote counts released Sunday. The projected loss marks a significant political blow to the administration and raises the possibility of Ishiba’s resignation.

The setback comes less than a year after the coalition lost its majority in the lower house in the October general elections. With the ruling bloc potentially losing control of both chambers of parliament under Ishiba’s leadership, analysts say the Prime Minister now faces one of the most serious political challenges of his tenure.

Exit polls from national broadcasters suggest that the LDP-Komeito coalition may fall short of the 124 seats required to maintain a majority in the 248-seat upper chamber. Public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation, rising inflation, and controversial defense policy shifts are believed to have played a key role in voter sentiment.

Political analyst Hiroshi Sato of the Tokyo Governance Institute noted, “Two consecutive national election setbacks reflect growing discontent among the electorate. If the upper house results confirm the polls, pressure will mount on Ishiba to step aside.”

Prime Minister Ishiba, a veteran LDP politician who assumed office in late 2023, has faced criticism over his administration’s failure to revive economic momentum and improve living standards. His push for constitutional amendments related to Japan’s pacifist military stance has also drawn public resistance.

The final results of the election are expected to be released by Monday morning. Regardless of the outcome, the results are likely to reshape Japan’s political landscape and determine the future course of leadership within the ruling party.

END/WD/AJ/