Failing to build on their successes in the first wave of local races earlier in the month, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party saw three candidates it had backed lose in five closely watched mayoral contests Sunday.

The five contests pitting LDP candidates against opposition-backed opponents were held as part of the second round of quadrennial unified local elections, which saw voter turnout hit a record low.

Local elections were seen as a key barometer for the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as it attempts to reinvigorate flagging regional economies