On October 27, voting commenced in Japan’s House of Representatives elections, as reported by NHK. Exit polls indicate that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is unlikely to secure a majority of the 233 seats, suggesting a bleak outlook for the party.
Voting began early in the morning, and NHK’s analysis of exit poll data estimates that the LDP may win between 153 and 219 seats, which would make achieving a standalone majority impossible.
In contrast, the coalition between the LDP and its ally, Komeito, is projected to earn between 174 and 254 seats, indicating that their combined majority is also uncertain.
Reports indicate that if the LDP-Komeito coalition fails to secure at least 233 seats in this election, it could lose its status as the ruling party.
On the other hand, opposition parties are expected to make significant gains in the National Diet, particularly the Constitutional Democratic Party, which is projected to win between 128 and 191 seats, a significant increase from their previous total of 98 seats.
The final results of the voting are expected to be announced late on the night of the 27th or in the early hours of the 28th.
