Japan's Election Sees Record Female Candidates Amid LDP Scandal

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba seeks to retain majority as his party grapples with a slush fund scandal.

The upcoming October 27 election features a record 314 women candidates, though they still represent less than a quarter of the total.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is using the election to solidify his leadership following a recent slush fund scandal involving his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
The LDP, which has governed Japan almost continuously since World War II, aims to maintain its majority in the Lower House despite declining public support.
Key election issues include economic policies, regional security, and the LDP's connections to the controversial Unification Church.
The opposition parties, led by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, are trying to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with the ruling party.