Japan Election: Public Backlash Against Komeito Due to LDP Scandals Results in Total Defeat Even in Komeito’s Stronghold Osaka

The Yomiuri Shimbun

17:00 JST, October 28, 2024

Komeito failed to maintain its pre-election strength of 32 seats in the lower house race, with even Ishii losing his election. Although Komeito had pressed the LDP to strengthen regulations under the Political Funds Control Law regarding the LDP’s funds scandals, Komeito bore the brunt of public backlash.

Ishii switched from the proportional representation segment to Saitama Constituency No. 14. and effectively ran as a parachute candidate.

Despite becoming party leader in September, he was forced to prioritize his own electoral campaign, putting nationwide campaigning on the back burner.

He received support from local LDP prefectural assembly members and fully mobilized the party organization to expand support, but ultimately fell short.

“The LDP’s problems created a headwind for the entire ruling coalition,” Ishii said on a radio program on Sunday.

In Osaka Prefecture, the party faced its first all-out confrontation with the Japan Innovation Party in four single-seat constituencies.

Although Yamaguchi made three campaign appearances and even Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited, the party, including vice leader Shigeki Sato, experienced total defeat in the prefecture.

Additionally, Komeito’s decision to support 35 former lawmakers who had lost the LDP’s official endorsement due to the political funds scandals invited criticism from opposition parties, who called Komeito an “accomplice” of the LDP.

Komeito’s support base, Soka Gakkai, is reportedly experiencing weakening organization due to aging membership, and its vote-gathering power appears to be waning. Within the party, Ishii’s resignation is seen as inevitable.