Japan’s main opposition CDP and former ruling partner Komeito form a centrist bloc to contest snap elections, aiming to draw swing voters in a tough battle.
TOKYO: Japan’s two main opposition parties have agreed to form a new alliance to challenge Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling coalition in anticipated snap elections.
Yoshihiko Noda, leader of the largest opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), announced the agreement with Komeito on Thursday.
He said the parties would form a “centrist” counterforce to Takaichi’s right-leaning coalition.
Media reports suggest the election could be held as early as next month.
The move follows a notification from Takaichi’s party of her decision to dissolve the powerful lower house soon after parliament reconvenes next week.
Analysts say the new bloc’s success hinges on convincing swing voters.
Mikitaka Masuyama of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies said a close battle is possible if voters find the alliance trustworthy.
He described that outcome as a low-probability scenario.
Professor emeritus Sadafumi Kawato said the CDP may gain seats but likely not enough to overwhelm the ruling bloc.
He predicted Komeito would at best maintain its current number of seats.
