The Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito on Friday drew a curtain on their 26-year alliance, a relationship that was marked by twists and turns.
The two parties have been in a mutually dependent relationship centered on electoral cooperation.
Under the partnership, Komeito has been forced to support the LDP's conservative policies, despite its banner of a party for peace, while the LDP has had to recall the prime minister to maintain voter support.
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