Japan's Ruling Coalition Set To Expand Presence In Upper House
Japan's ruling coalition appears set to expand its pre-election force in the Upper House following Sunday's election.
The coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, along with two other parties in favor of amending the Constitution, are poised to hold more than two-thirds of the chamber, the threshold for starting the process to propose a change.
Prime Minister Kishida Fumio addressed the results and touched on some of the biggest issues facing the nation.
Kishida said, "The COVID-19 pandemic, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the soaring cost of living... we believe we must work toward dealing with such major issues, as well as making an effort to revive the Japanese economy."
The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party will lose strength in the Upper House under its new leader.
But Izumi Kenta is promising to rally.
Izumi said, "With our party's approval ratings still low, we need to work on ourselves, and restore support."
Nippon Ishin Japan Innovation Party will gain seats. But it faces a future without its leader, Osaka Mayor Matsui Ichiro, who says he'll step aside to let a new leader push for social and political reform.
The ruling coalition and two other parties, the Japan Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People are in favor of amending the Constitution. Their combined seats will be over two-thirds of the chamber.
That's the level of support needed in both houses to put an amendment proposal to a national referendum. The LDP believes the current Constitution, which has never been changed, should be revised to fit the times.
This election came just days after former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo was shot and killed during a campaign event.
Kishida called the act a violent challenge against Japan's democracy.