Prime Minister Abe to remain in the office

Upper House Election that was to test Abe Administration’s public mandate has ended on June 29 with a historical defeat for the ruling parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito.  For the first time in 55 years since the LDP was formed, the leading party has shifted to Democratic Party with 60 seats from 32.  With the political scandals, the pension data issue, inappropriate comment on atom bombing, the number of seats gained by LDP decreased to 37 from 64 that comes near the worst record of 36 seats when the former Prime Minister Uno resigned in 1989.  Meanwhile, a record high of 26 female candidates out of 91 became the Upper House members. 

This morning, LDP opened an executive committee meeting to confirm Prime Minister Abe will remain in the office and mapped out policy to summon an extraordinary diet that decides appointment for positions in the Upper House from August 7 for four days.  Although some members are surprised by the continuance of Abe's premiership after such drastic defeat, the Prime Minister announced to force through the reorganization of the Cabinet and appointments in the party executives in September.  The factions within LDP intend to share opinions to maintain unity, while the party is expected to be engaged in a fierce tug of war over the Cabinet appointments.