Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Japan’s ruling coalition suffer major loses in poll amid scandal

POSTED ON October 28, 2024 •   GLOBAL NEWS      BY Benedicta Bassey
Japan Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba/ Photo credit: CNBC

In Japan's Parliamentary election, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition, suffered a significant setback, losing its majority in the 465-seat lower house, amid public backlash over ongoing financial scandals with the government.

While Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) retains its dominant status in parliament, the election results suggest a political instability.

Without a majority, Ishiba may be compelled to seek a third coalition partner to pass key legislation, though his coalition retains a majority in the upper house.

According to Japanese media, the LDP and its junior partner Komeito secured only 215 seats, a steep drop from the previous 279-seat majority- its worst result since losing power in 2009.

Ishiba, who assumed office on 1 October and called for this election to bolster support after his predecessor Fumio Kishida’s failure to mitigate public anger over the LDP’s scandals, acknowledged the results as “extremely severe” and vowed to “reflect” on the message from voters.

The opposition saw considerable gains, with the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), led by Yoshihiko Noda, increasing its seats from 98 to 148.

Noda, calling the election a unique opportunity for government change, seeks to form a coalition with other opposition groups, although challenges remain in uniting parties with differing agendas.

Ishiba faces further challenges with potential coalition partners. The Democratic Party of the People (DPP) has shown openness to a partial alliance, while the conservative Japan Innovation Party, which lost seats, expressed reluctance.

Additionally, Ishiba may contend with dissent within his party, including from lawmakers associated with former leader Shinzo Abe, who Ishiba distanced himself from in an attempt to rebuild public trust.

Political analysts suggest that Ishiba’s weakened position and voter discontent over the recent scandal could result in shorter prime ministerial terms, with Ishiba potentially serving until the passage of critical budgetary measures in December.

Experts advised Ishiba on enacting reforms to address fairness and privilege concerns, which have fuelled public discontent.

Over 1,300 candidates, including a record 314 women, contested the election.

Key LDP veterans and Komeito’s new leader, Keiichi Ishii, lost their seats, further complicating Ishiba’s efforts to stabilise his government.

 

 

Trump targets Harris, says she's unfit for presidency

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump rallied his Make America Great Again (MAGA) supporters at an event in New York City, once again vowing to crack down on migration while attacking his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris.

He affirmed that Harris, his major opposition is unfit for the presidency.

During his speech at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, Trump repeatedly criticised migrants, pledging to fulfil his campaign promise of conducting the largest deportation operation in US history if he wins the election.

“November 5 will be the most important date in the history of our country, and together, we will make America powerful again,” said Trump.

He said the nation was struggling with economic and social issues and expressed readiness to tackle same.

Trump was joined by several Republicans and allies at the event, many of whom launched personal attacks on Harris.

One speaker referred to her as “the devil,” and the rhetoric against migrants, immigrant communities, and perceived political opponents was incendiary.

Trump also laid the blame for the country’s problems at Harris’s feet, calling her a “radical left Marxist,” labelling her unintelligent, and claiming she was “unfit” for the presidency.

“You’ve destroyed our country,” he said, addressing the vice president directly.

The rally occurred just nine days before Americans head to the polls on November 5 to choose their next president. Polls show Trump and Harris in a tight race for the White House.

The election is focused on seven critical battleground states, including Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, where the contest remains too close to call.

Meanwhile, Harris was campaigning in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, making stops at a church, a barbershop, and a Puerto Rican restaurant, before spending time with youth basketball players at a local community centre.

READ ALSO
Canada Tightens PGWP Eligibility, New Fields of Study Added, Others Removed
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 29, 2025 0

Canadian authorities have made it more difficult for international students to qualify for post-grad...

READ ALSO
France to Enforce Nationwide Smoking Ban in Public Outdoor Spaces
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 28, 2025 0

Starting this Sunday, smoking will be banned on beaches, in public parks, gardens, bus shelters, and...

READ ALSO
Africa Must Adapt Governance for True Progress- Obasanjo
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 27, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged a reassessment of governance...

READ ALSO
Trump Announces Iran-Israel Ceasefire Deal, Tehran Denies Formal Agreement
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 24, 2025 0

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Iran and Israel have agreed to a “comple...

READ ALSO
NATO Warns Iran Against Nuclear Weapon Development Amid Rising Tensions
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 24, 2025 0

In a renewed effort to curb escalating violence in the Middle East, the North Atlantic Treaty Organi...

READ ALSO
Qatar Closes Airspace After Iranian Strike on U.S. Base in Doha
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

In a swift move to safeguard lives and property, the government of Qatar has closed its airspace fol...

READ ALSO
Iran Denounces U.S. Support for Israeli Strikes as Genocidal, Vows to Defend Its Sovereignty
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 22, 2025 0

Iran's foreign minister issued a grave warning on Sunday, stating that the United States and Israel...

READ ALSO
Trump Urges Immediate Evacuation of Tehran as Israeli Strikes Expand
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 17, 2025 0

The Israeli military has instructed thousands of residents to evacuate central Tehran to prevent cas...

OUR CHANNELS:

Reclaiming Gaddafi’s Pan-African Dream: Why His Vision Still Matters
BY Suleiman Jimoh July 2, 2025 0

Few remember that Muammar Gaddafi once dared to imagine an Africa unchained from foreign dictate. He...


Calls for Autopsy: Ondo Govt. Faces Pressure to Exhume Late Governor Akeredolu's Body
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

The Ondo State Government may need to exhume the body of the late governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, f...


Dangote Slash Petrol Price to N840 per Litre Amid Market Adjustments
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 2, 2025 0

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has lowered the ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly refe...


NEC Reinstates Anyanwu as PDP National Secretary Amid Internal Conflicts
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

The 100th meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the People’s Democratic Party (...


APC Schedules NEC Meeting for July 24 Amid Leadership Changes
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The All Progressives Congress (APC) has scheduled its National Executive Committee...


PDP: Tensions Rise Ahead of 100th NEC Meeting Amid Factional Disputes
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

As tensions escalate within the People’s Democratic Party regarding the National Secretary pos...


Sokoto,Kebbi PDP Ready to Join Coalition Against APC in 2027
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

The state branches of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto and Kebbi have expressed t...


UNIUYO Medical Lecturers Begin Indefinite Strike over VC appointment
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 30, 2025 0

Medical lecturers at the University of Uyo, affiliated with the Medical and Dental Consultants Assoc...


Nigeria and Saint Lucia Unite for Mutual Growth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 1, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre agreed on Sunday to establish formal diplo...


Tinubu Empowers ICRC to Streamline PPP Processes
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara July 2, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu has authorized the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to e...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu