LIVE UPDATES
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.
