According to CCTV International News, based on the results of the vote counting for this Japanese Senate election, as of 22:30 Beijing time,
the ruling coalition formed by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party has secured fewer than 50 seats in this year’s Japanese National Diet. Including the non-transferable seats of both parties, the ruling coalition cannot reach more than half of the Senate seats.
Photo source: Screenshot from CCTV International News
On July 20th local time, Japan held its National Diet Senate election. Apart from certain areas, the voting period was from 7 am to 20 pm (Beijing time 6 am to 19 pm). According to a message previously released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the vote counting is expected to be completed before 7 am local time on July 21st (Beijing time 6 am on July 21st).
Currently, the ruling party faces strong public dissatisfaction due to its measures against rising prices; the “tariff hammer” from the United States continues to bring economic and diplomatic pressure.
It was learned on July 20th local time that Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed his willingness to continue governing.
“I must clearly recognize the responsibilities I bear towards the country and the mission of being the largest party in the National Diet. I will continue to fulfill my duties,” he said.
Photo source: News screenshot
The National Diet Senate in Japan has 248 seats, with members serving six years and being reelected every three years. This year’s Senate election will elect 125 seats, including 124 seats that are up for renewal and one additional seat for a by-election.
The cabinet led by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga faces significant challenges in this election. In the House of Representatives elections held last October, the ruling coalition of the two major parties failed to secure more than half of the seats, becoming a minority government. If the Senate election fails again, losing majority status, Suga’s path to power is expected to become even more difficult.
A recent poll shows that
the current Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s cabinet approval rating has dropped to 20.8%
, a decrease of 6.2 percentage points from the previous month, which is considered dangerous territory in Japanese politics. A further drop below 20% would be seen as entering “dangerous waters.”
Cover photo source: Visual China
This article is compiled from news, CCTV International News, etc.