Japan's Liberal Democratic Party Sets Postwar Record, Wins More Than Two-Thirds of House of Representatives Seats

AFP news: Hashimoto Sanao's "overwhelming" victory: the Liberal Democratic Party becomes the first single party in post-war Japan to secure more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives

The 51st general election for the House of Representatives was held on the 8th. The Liberal Democratic Party achieved an overwhelming victory, securing more than two-thirds (310 seats) of the 465 designated seats in the House of Representatives.

According to Kyodo News, the Liberal Democratic Party has become the first single party in post-war Japan to obtain more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives. Prime Minister Hashimoto Sanao is expected to be elected as the 105th Prime Minister at a special session of the Diet on the 18th and immediately begin forming a cabinet.

This means that future policy initiatives will be smoother and it will be more conducive to leading constitutional reform. Although the ruling party has not secured a majority in the Senate, even if a bill is rejected in the Senate, it can be re-voted and passed by the House of Representatives with a two-thirds majority.

Commentary: This marks a landmark turning point in Japan's post-war political landscape. The Liberal Democratic Party securing more than two-thirds of the seats in the House of Representatives means that Hashimoto Sanao has completely seized legislative control, leaving almost no forces in the Diet capable of countering her. This result directly clears domestic obstacles for core agendas such as constitutional reform, increased defense spending, and security legislation. In the long term, Japan will accelerate its departure from the post-war system, strengthen military autonomy, and deepen its alignment with the U.S. bloc. The security competition, diplomatic tensions, and military buildup in East Asia will all intensify, increasing strategic pressure on neighboring countries and entering a high-risk new phase in regional stability.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1856606824462347/

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