Japanese residents have shown discontent with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s leadership after his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and coalition partner Komeito lost their majority in the upper house of parliament during Sunday’s election.
The defeat is seen as a reflection of voters' frustration with the Ishiba administration's handling of the rising cost-of-living, wage levels and trade negotiations with the United States.
The ruling coalition only secured 47 seats, three short of the 50 seats needed to maintain control of the 248-seat upper house chamber.
"I think the result was as expected. LDP and Komeito clearly did not have an understanding of the public's needs," said a local resident.
With the coalition having already lost its majority in the lower house last year, analysts said the defeat will mean further political deadlock. The ruling bloc would need cooperation from the opposition to pass bills.
"Right now, we have to strive to survive. I don't think the public can expect anything from the government right now. I feel that at the root, every politician, every party has the same idea. They use different expressions, but when you boil it down there are very little differences," said another local resident.
According to the final vote count completed in the early hours of Monday, the LDP secured only 39 seats of the 125 contested seats in the upper house election, while Komeito took eight, below their combined target of 50.
Even with their existing non-contested seats of 75, they now held fewer than the 125 seats needed for a majority in the 248-member upper chamber.
Despite the setback, Ishiba emphasized the need for stability and continuity in government, and formally declared his intention to continue serving as prime minister.
Japanese voters show discontent with Ishiba’s administration after election setback
