The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, pledge to aim for enacting a bill in the next Diet session to reduce Lower House seats by 10%. However, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has avoided mentioning the topic in her campaign speeches, debates, or on X during the run-up to Sunday's general election.
Observers note that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's apparent avoidance of discussing a proposed cut to House of Representatives seats during the campaign for Sunday's general election reflects concerns within the Liberal Democratic Party. Since dissolving the Lower House on January 23 for the snap election, Takaichi has not addressed the issue in speeches, debates, or posts on X up to last Sunday.
The LDP and its coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, include in their platforms a pledge to "aim to enact a bill during the next Diet session" for a 10% reduction in Lower House seats. This proposal aims to decrease the number of seats in the chamber. Analysts suggest the prime minister's silence indicates internal party worries, especially with the election looming and potential impacts on the 2026 Lower House vote.
