Japan LDP Seen Taking Two-Thirds Majority in Lower House

Tokyo, Feb. 9 (Jiji Press)--Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is seen winning over 310 seats in the House of Representatives in Sunday's election, controlling two-thirds of the all-important lower chamber of parliament.

The number, a record high for the LDP, set up in 1955, far exceeds Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's modest target of winning a majority of at least 233 seats by its coalition with the Japan Innovation Party. The number of seats the two parties obtained is seen reaching some 350.

Meanwhile, the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance is seen drastically reducing its seat count from the pre-election tally of 172. Co-chief Yoshihiko Noda announced his intent to resign.

Sanseito and Team Mirai are forecast to significantly increase their seats.

The LDP's previous Lower House election record was 300 seats won in 1986. A two-thirds majority in the chamber will allow the ruling camp to enact bills that are voted down in the House of Councillors, the upper chamber, in which the LDP and the JIP are a minority. The coalition will also be able to propose a revision to the Constitution.

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]