Japan heads to polls as Takaichi seeks mandate for conservative agenda
AI Summary
Japan is holding a parliamentary election on February 8, 2026, where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's conservative coalition seeks a mandate for its agenda. Opinion polls suggest the coalition, comprised of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), is likely to win a substantial victory, potentially securing over 300 of the 465 lower house seats. Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, aims to implement policies including increased defence spending and stricter immigration controls. Voters are primarily concerned with the rising cost of living, as inflation outpaces wage growth amid sluggish economic growth. The opposition is considered too fragmented to pose a significant challenge. Polls close at 8 PM local time, with projections expected shortly after.
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This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).
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