The LDP and Komeito, its much smaller coalition partner, have taken 215 seats between them, which is less than the 233 MPs required for governing. According to Shigeru Ishiba, the party’s new head, there are currently no intentions to broaden the alliance.
Ishiba has pledged to remain in office in spite of the LDP’s loss of the legislative majority. He called the poll just days before taking office as prime minister.
He stated in a speech on Monday that the party would “humbly” accept the “severe judgement” that was delivered.
“We must humbly accept the harsh verdict that the voters have handed us.”
According to him, the Japanese people have made it clear that they want the LDP to take some time to think things through and change its ways so that it reflects the wishes of the people.
Prior to the election, Japanese media had stated that Ishiba could resign to assume responsibility if the LDP lost its legislative majority, making him the country’s shortest-serving prime minister since the end of World War II.
Since 2009, the LDP has not lost its legislative majority until now. The party has dominated the nation virtually continuously since its foundation in 1955.
The outcome follows the LDP’s turbulent few years, which saw a “cascade” of scandals, massive voter disinterest, and record-low approval ratings.
