Japan votes as Prime Minister Takaichi seeks renewed mandate
Japanese voters went to the polls on Sunday in a snap general election to renew the 465-seat House of Representatives, the powerful lower chamber of parliament. The vote represents a crucial political test for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who is seeking a fresh mandate to continue leading the country.
Polling stations opened early in the morning across the country, with more than 100 million registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. Authorities reported strong participation during the early voting period, which took place in the days leading up to election day, reflecting heightened public interest in the outcome.
More than 1,200 candidates are competing in the election, which combines single-member constituencies with proportional representation seats. To secure control of government, a party or coalition must obtain an absolute majority in the chamber, a threshold that will determine who is able to form the next administration.
The election was called after the prime minister dissolved the lower house, arguing that renewed public support was needed to advance her political agenda. Analysts view the vote as a potential turning point that could reshape Japan’s political balance and influence policy direction in the coming years.
Ballot counting is expected to begin shortly after polls close, with results anticipated later in the day.
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