Japan: Voting begins in snap elections
The polling phase in Japan's recently announced snap elections has started as parts of the country are being affected by Category-IV Typhoon Lan. PM Shinzo Abe had called for the elections a year ahead amid rising nuclear threat from North Korea. With the opposition in a state of disarray, Abe is projected to win. Read on to know more about the elections.
Japan's Abe announces snap elections amid high approval ratings
On 25 September, PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe announced snap elections stating that he needed a fresh mandate to deal with the "national crisis" facing Japan. Abe also announced a $17.8 billion stimulus-package on education, debt reduction, and social spending. His election announcement appeared to be an attempt at capitalizing on his currently high approval ratings even as the opposition remains largely in disarray.
Why Abe decided to announce snap elections?
In July, Abe's approval ratings stood at below 30% because his government was hit by a string of scandals and unpopular policies. His ratings have surged to 50% in September thanks to his handling of North Korea's regular ballistic missile and nuclear tests. Experts believe the snap elections are meant to exploit his resurgent popularity. Meanwhile, Abe continues to dodge allegations of cronyism.
Abe could become longest-serving post-WW2 Japanese leader
With the opposition fizzling out, Abe is projected to most definitely win. Abe's victory would make him Japan's longest-serving post-World War-II leader. His Liberal Democratic Party will look to form a large majority in the legislature in order to push forward Abe's constitutional reforms which would allow Japan to have a national army for the first time since World War II.
