Japan, Feb 08 : Japan general election voting begins as power balance hangs in the balance
Polling stations opened across Japan on Sunday, launching a closely watched general election that could determine whether Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government continues in office or faces a strengthened opposition.
A total of 1,284 candidates are vying for 465 seats in the House of Representatives, the influential lower chamber that plays a decisive role in shaping national policy.
Majority test for ruling alliance
The election is widely viewed as a referendum on the governing partnership between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party. Retaining a majority would secure political stability for Takaichi’s administration, while significant opposition gains could complicate policymaking.
Voting is scheduled to conclude at 8 p.m. local time, with vote counting expected to extend late into the night.
How the seats are allocated
Japan’s mixed electoral system divides representation between constituency races and proportional voting:
289 seats are being decided in single-member districts.
176 seats will be allocated through proportional representation across 11 regional blocs.
This structure often makes coalition building critical to forming a government.
Poll trends suggest advantage for government
Pre-election surveys conducted by prominent Japanese media organisations indicated that the ruling bloc may be on track to secure enough seats to maintain control. Meanwhile, the recently formed Centrist Reform Alliance created by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan alongside former LDP partner Komeito—appears to be trailing its earlier parliamentary strength, according to polling data.
However, analysts caution that a large pool of undecided voters leaves the outcome far from certain. Adding to the unpredictability are lingering political funding controversies involving the LDP, which have continued to shape voter sentiment.
Snap election decision draws scrutiny
Takaichi dissolved the lower house on January 23, triggering a snap poll in what observers note is the first such move at the opening of a regular parliamentary session in six decades. She has pledged to resign if the coalition fails to hold its majority.
Critics argue the early election prioritised political strategy over legislative responsibilities, particularly the passage of the initial budget for fiscal year 2026, set to begin in April.
Rare February election amid harsh weather
This is Japan’s first lower house election conducted in February since 1990. Severe snowfall along coastal regions facing the Sea of Japan has prompted warnings about transportation disruptions and safety risks for voters factors that could ultimately influence turnout.
With political stakes high and uncertainties lingering, the results are expected to shape Japan’s governance trajectory and policy direction in the months ahead.