The clear message of dissatisfaction that voters sent Sunday to the Liberal Democratic Party will lead to a lengthy period of political instability and legislative gridlock, analysts say.

"People are extremely angry at the ruling coalition," said Takayoshi Miyagawa, president of the Center for Political Public Relations. The election "was a chance for the public to declare that they didn't need or want the LDP anymore."

The opposition parties, led by the Democratic Party of Japan, were given control of the House of Councilors.