Crucial elections at a historic turning point
On October 31, 2021, Japan held early parliamentary elections at a crucial time for the country and the world. These elections were called by the newly appointed Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida, just weeks after he assumed leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the premiership. This election was not merely a routine procedure, but rather a referendum on Kishida's new leadership and a quest for a clear mandate to implement his ambitious agenda amidst the challenges of the post-COVID-19 pandemic and escalating geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
General context: Leadership change and the challenge of the pandemic
These elections followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, whose popularity had plummeted due to what many considered the government's slow response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its insistence on holding the Tokyo Olympics despite widespread public opposition. Kishida, who took office on October 4, 2021, seized the opportunity presented by the political "honeymoon" period enjoyed by any new leader, dissolving the House of Representatives and calling for early elections. His strategy aimed to secure a strong mandate before his government faced political and economic challenges that could erode its popularity, thus giving him greater room to maneuver and implement his policies.
The importance of the event and its expected impact
The election campaign revolved around several key issues. Domestically, Kishida introduced the concept of “new capitalism,” promising to address the widening income and wealth gap, strengthen the middle class, and move away from “Abenomics” policies focused on macroeconomic growth. Managing the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic recovery were also central concerns for voters, with parties promising economic stimulus packages and support for affected households and businesses.
On the international stage, security policy has gained paramount importance. Faced with China's military expansion and North Korea's missile threats, the Liberal Democratic Party has emphasized the need to increase defense spending and strengthen the strategic security alliance with the United States. Winning this election meant giving Kishida a mandate to continue this assertive approach to foreign policy, which is being closely watched by the world, particularly by neighboring countries and the United States.
Election results and consolidation of power
Contrary to some predictions that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) might lose its absolute majority, the ruling party and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, secured a comfortable victory. The LDP alone won 261 of the 465 seats, surpassing the 233-seat majority threshold. This triumph provided Kishida's government with the political stability needed to pass the budget and deliver on its election promises, and solidified his position as the country's leader for the coming years, allowing him to confidently pursue his economic and security plans.
