Japan's Ruling Party Suffers Major Defeat in Parliamentary By-Elections

Japan's governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) suffered a crushing defeat in three parliamentary by-elections on Sunday, losing all three seats to the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ).

The losses are seen as a harsh indictment of the LDP's involvement in a slush fund scandal that has eroded public trust in the government.

The scandal saw LDP factions neglect to report portions of their income from fundraising parties and maintain secret funds for years. More than 80 LDP lawmakers have acknowledged not reporting funds, a possible violation of the Political Funds Control Law. The scandal has led to the resignation of several ministers and LDP executives.

The by-elections, held in the prefectures of Shimane, Nagasaki, and Tokyo, were the first national elections since the scandal came to light last fall. The CDPJ's victories, particularly in the conservative stronghold of Shimane, are seen as a strong rebuke of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's leadership. CDPJ leader Kenta Izumi called the results a "big message" to Kishida and the LDP.

Why this matters: The by-election defeats are a major blow to Kishida's political standing and could jeopardize his chances of being re-elected as LDP leader in the party's presidential race around September. The losses may embolden LDP lawmakers to challenge Kishida's leadership in an attempt to put a new face at the helm ahead of the next general election.

Kishida has fought plummeting support ratings since the corruption scandal erupted, removing Cabinet ministers and party executives while conducting internal hearings and drafting reform measures. However, public support for his government has dwindled to around 20%. The low voter turnout across all three districts in the by-elections also suggests growing disillusionment with the LDP's leadership.

LDP Secretary-General Motegi Toshimitsu acknowledged the "severe results" of the by-elections and the need for the party to regain public trust through reform efforts. However, if the LDP's reforms are seen as too slow or insufficient, Izumi has indicated that the CDPJ may seek to trigger an early general election to capitalize on the governing party's weakened position.

Key Takeaways

• Japan's ruling LDP suffered crushing defeats in 3 parliamentary by-elections.
• Losses attributed to LDP's involvement in a slush fund scandal eroding public trust.
• Defeats seen as a rebuke of PM Kishida's leadership, jeopardizing his re-election.
• LDP acknowledges "severe results", vows reform, but CDPJ may call for early election.
• Low voter turnout suggests growing disillusionment with LDP's leadership.