Japan's Ruling Party Suffers Major Defeat in Special Elections

The loss of three key seats in recent by-elections is seen as voter backlash against ongoing corruption scandals, putting Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's leadership at risk.

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party lost all three contested seats in by-elections across Shimane, Nagasaki, and Tokyo, marking a significant setback for the ruling party.
The defeats are largely attributed to public dissatisfaction with a slush fund scandal that has implicated several party members, including some linked to former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Voter turnout varied across regions, with Shimane seeing relatively higher engagement, reflecting intense local interest and discontent.
The main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, won all three seats, capitalizing on the ruling party's diminished support.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces increased pressure and decreased likelihood of re-election as party leader in the upcoming September vote.