Overview
- CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda and Komeito leader Tetsuo Saito agreed on Jan. 15 to launch a new party, with the party name slated for decision on Jan. 16.
- Komeito will withdraw all nominees from single-member districts and campaign for CDP-aligned contenders under the pact.
- Candidates with Komeito backgrounds are set to receive preferential rankings on proportional representation lists.
- About 172 lower-house members (around 148 from CDP and 24 from Komeito) are expected to participate, with Noda and Saito preparing to serve as co-leaders.
- A Feb. 8 election is widely expected, compressing the timeline for branding and candidate coordination as LDP figures warn of effects in close races.