Voters in Japan are casting ballots in a parliamentary election expected to strengthen Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s conservative governing coalition. The snap election seeks a renewed mandate for policies focused on defence expansion, economic reform, and stricter immigration controls.
Opinion polls suggest Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) could secure more than 300 seats in the 465-seat lower house. The opposition remains fragmented, limiting its electoral competitiveness.
The vote occurs amid economic pressures and security debates shaping Japan’s domestic and foreign policy trajectory in 2026.
Key developments:
• Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to suspend the 8% food sales tax for two years to ease cost-of-living pressures.
• The government previously approved a ¥21.3 trillion economic stimulus package targeting energy subsidies and household relief.
• Planned defence reforms include revising security policies, expanding military capabilities, and potentially lifting weapons export restrictions.
• Economic growth remains modest, with the International Monetary Fund projecting 0.7% growth for 2026.
• Heavy snowfall in northern and eastern Japan may affect voter turnout.
ℹ️ Al Jazeera
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