Japan Election: PM Sanae Takaichi’s LDP coalition looks to regain majority in rare mid-winter lower house polls

Japan woke up to an unusual scene on Sunday. Streets blanketed in snow, trains delayed, and ferry routes shut, yet voters braved the cold to cast their ballots. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap election just weeks after winning her party’s leadership race seeking a clear public mandate.

It’s the first mid-winter election in 36 years, breaking Japan’s tradition of holding polls in milder seasons. Heavy snowfall in regions like Niigata and even Tokyo tested voters’ resolve. Despite these challenges, early voting numbers reached 4.6 million though this was slightly lower than the previous election in 2024 likely due to the harsh weather.

Advertisement

Also Read: Russia University violence: Four Indian medical students wounded in Ufa knife attack, 15-year-old suspect in custody

LDP’s comeback in the spotlight

Polls suggest that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), in coalition with the populist Japanese Innovation Party, could secure up to 300 of 465 Lower House seats. This is a remarkable comeback for the LDP. It recently lost its long-standing coalition ally and parliamentary majority following corruption scandals and rising living costs.

Takaichi’s rise represents a sharp turnaround for the party. After two prime ministers stepped down amid low approval ratings, she has emerged as a popular figure with voters

Promises of relief and critic concerns

Takaichi has won support by promising tax cuts and subsidies aiming to ease the burden on households. Yet critics remain sceptical.

Japan’s national debt is among the highest in the developed world, and some analysts question whether increased government spending can truly revive the sluggish economy.

Observers say that much of the LDP’s potential success hinges on Takaichi’s personal popularity. Her approval ratings have mostly hovered above 70% since she took office in October.

Snow disrupts voting, but enthusiasm persists

The winter weather has caused significant disruptions. The Ministry of Transport reported 37 train lines and 58 ferry routes closed, along with 54 flight cancellations by Sunday morning.

Yet, the sight of voters trudging through snow has captured attention across the nation.