Japan’s Ruling Coalition Loses Majority in Early Elections

Japan’s ruling coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito, lost its parliamentary majority in Sunday’s general election, marking a significant shift in Japanese politics. The LDP dropped from 247 to 191 seats, while Komeito fell to 24, bringing their coalition total to 215 seats—short of the 233 needed for a majority in the 465-seat parliament.

This marks the first time since 2009 that the LDP has lost its majority, a blow for the party that has largely ruled Japan since 1955. Meanwhile, the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP) made gains, increasing from 98 to 148 seats, positioning itself as a strengthened alternative in Japan’s political landscape.