(VOVWORLD) - After Japan's Komeito Party announced its decision to leave the ruling coalition, the opposition, led by the Constitutional Democratic Party of former Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko, seized the moment to challenge the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
 The leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, Noda Yoshihiko (left) calls for unity to nominate Yuichiro Tamaki as the sole candidate of the opposition parties. (Photo: NHK) |
The opposition is now taking bold steps to consolidate its strength, including calling on all opposition parties to unite behind a single candidate for Prime Minister.
If the Constitutional Democratic Party joins forces with the Innovation Party and the Democratic Party for the People, this three-party alliance would hold more seats than the LDP in the House of Representatives.
In response, the LDP has moved quickly to reinforce its position and weaken the opposition. One of its latest strategies was to propose an alliance with the Democratic Party for the People, whose chairman, Tamaki Yuichiro, is seen as a strong contender for Prime Minister.
Under growing pressure, the LDP decided Wednesday to submit a proposal to convene an extraordinary session of the National Diet on October 21. Over the next week, Japan’s political scene is expected to heat up.