Feb 8, 2026: Japan’s governing party is projected to secure a commanding majority in the snap parliamentary election, according to early projections released after voting concluded on Sunday.
The election was called by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi just months after she assumed leadership, seeking public backing for her administration.
This outcome marks a sharp turnaround for the long-dominant party, which had lost its parliamentary majority under previous leaders amid corruption scandals and rising living costs.
The latest projections suggest that the ruling coalition may win close to two-thirds of the 465 seats in the lower house, strengthening its position in parliament.
Despite concerns that calling an early election was a political risk—especially following the collapse of an earlier coalition—Takaichi’s personal popularity appears to have played a key role.
Public approval ratings for her government have remained high, helping mobilize voter support.
Economic pressures were a major concern for voters, with inflation and housing affordability dominating public discussion.
Many citizens expressed frustration over rising prices, while younger voters emphasized the need for long-term solutions rather than short-term economic relief.
The election was held amid challenging weather conditions, with heavy snowfall affecting transport across parts of the country.
Dozens of train lines, ferry routes, and flights were disrupted, making this Japan’s first mid-winter national election in more than three decades.
While the ruling party benefited from voter confidence, opposition groups entered the race more unified than in previous contests.
Analysts caution that despite a projected majority, challenges remain, including managing public debt, labour shortages, and balancing defence spending with social needs.
The election result is expected to shape Japan’s political and economic direction in the coming years, as the new government faces mounting domestic and global challenges.
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