Could merger talks finally produce a credible opposition force in Japan?

Japanese voters' choices might actually grow if bickering parties coalesce into viable challenger to LDP

Amid rumors that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe may dissolve the Lower House for a snap election early next year, opposition parties are discussing a merger that could help them at the polls. | KYODO

By Eric Johnston
Staff Writer

Dec 15, 2019

OSAKA –

With the close of the extraordinary Diet session on Dec. 9, some of the largest opposition parties once again entered talks about merging before year's end, with an eye toward increasing their seats in the next general election. Here's a look at the talks and what they might mean for Japan's political scene in 2020.

Which opposition parties are talking?

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the Democratic Party for the People and the Social Democratic Party are the three main parties discussing a merger.

Opposition merger

Could merger talks finally produce a credible opposition force in Japan?

Japanese voters' choices might actually grow if bickering parties coalesce into viable challenger to LDP

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