Japan's General Election Begins: Referendum on PM Takaichi's Leadership

• Voting commenced in Japan's Lower House election, widely seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s leadership.
• Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner, Japan Innovation Party (JIP), aim for a simple majority in the 465-seat House of Representatives.
• A decisive victory for LDP (233+ seats independently) would strengthen Takaichi's authority; failure to secure a combined majority could force her resignation.
• Pre-election surveys favored the LDP despite controversies, while the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance (CRA) was projected to suffer losses.
• Takaichi pledged increased government spending, revived economic competitiveness, and tightened immigration policies during her campaign.