World

Japanese Election: Opposition wins Landslide

by Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke | August 30, 2009 at 05:19 am

290 views | 48 Recommendations | 10 comments

After 54 years of conservative rule, it appears that Japan's opposition party, the left of centre, Democratic Party of Japan has won a landslide victory.

The Liberal Democrats have ruled for all but 11 months since 1955.

Exit polls by all major Japanese networks indicate that the Democratic Party of Japan has won 300 of the 480 seats in the Japanese Parliament.

This would open the way for the Democratic Party of Japan to take power and establish a cabinet within a few weeks. The Democratic Party of Japan is headed by Yukio Hatoyama, who would presumably become the next Prime Minister of Japan.

The Exit Poll results have been confirmed by result pouring in. Taro Aso said he accepts the responsibility for defeat and will step down as party leader. This clears the way for Yukio Hatoyama to become the next Prime Minister.

TOKYO -- Japan's opposition party won historic elections in an apparent landslide Sunday, media projections said, sending the conservatives to defeat after 54 years of nearly unbroken rule amid widespread economic anxiety and desire for change.

The left-of-center Democratic Party of Japan was set to win 300 or more of the 480 seats in the lower house of parliament, ousting the Liberal Democrats, who have governed Japan for all but 11 months since 1955, according to exit polls by all major Japanese TV networks.

The loss by the Liberal Democrats would open the way for the Democratic Party, headed by Yukio Hatoyama, to replace Prime Minister Taro Aso and establish a new Cabinet, possibly within the next few weeks.

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Susan Marie Kovalinsky

at 05:36 on August 30th, 2009

This is important, thanks!

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 05:41 on August 30th, 2009

Looks like a change is as good as a rest:)

Barry ORegan

at 06:12 on August 30th, 2009

There goes the neighbourhood!

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 06:14 on August 30th, 2009

My thoughts precisely:)

Karl Gotthardt - albertacowpoke

at 08:02 on August 30th, 2009

Thanks for the picture no frills.

J2B (not verified)

at 09:26 on August 30th, 2009

actually the ruling LDP lost the general election in 1993 and remained out of power until 1996 but certainly it's a big shock to most with the opposition parties (x3) winning 338 seats in a 241 seat majority house. The Democratic Party of Japan have a clear majority to form a government.What is interesting is that voter turn out is higher than in 2005, but still only just under 14% of the voting pop bothered?