AMN/ WEB DESK

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has declared victory for his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). It was a big win for Mr Kishida, who became Prime Minister only a month ago. His party secured more than 233 Lower House seats enough to govern without its coalition partner Komeito.

The LDP has dominated Japanese politics for decades, but was criticised for its handling of the pandemic. Mr Kishida’s predecessor Yoshihide Suga quit after just a year in office. The resignation came amid plummeting poll ratings for the LDP following an unpopular push to continue with the Tokyo Olympics despite public concern about surging COVID-19 rates.

Mr Kishida has long-targeted the Prime Ministerial role and previously served as the country’s Foreign Minister from 2012 to 2017.