Overview
- On Jan. 15, CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda and Komeito's Tetsuo Saito agreed in the Diet to create a new party, with Komeito exiting all single-member districts to support CDP-origin candidates.
- Media estimate about 172 Lower House members will join (148 from CDP and 24 from Komeito), with Noda and Saito being lined up as co-leaders and the party name due for decision on Jan. 16.
- Under the coordination plan, Komeito candidates would shift to proportional representation lists with prioritized placements.
- Local organizations voiced hesitation, including a Tochigi Komeito leader who questioned whether supporters would uniformly back CDP candidates.
- LDP officials cautioned the change could affect close races, as reports point to a Feb. 8 election being likely and limited time to build recognition for the new party.