In the Oct. 27 runoff parliamentary elections, the three-way ruling coalition won five of seven seats at stake, defeating the four-party opposition alliance. The elections were held in five Lower House and two Upper House constituencies. The coalition victory has created a measure of political stability for the time being, making it likely that debates in the extraordinary Diet session (ending Dec. 18) will proceed without a major hitch.
It is disturbing, though, that voter turnout in all seven polls fell to a record low. No doubt this reflects the public's mistrust of politics amid a spate of corruption scandals involving both ruling and opposition parties. The nation's parliamentary politics is in crisis.
It is worth noting, however, that among the three ruling parties, New Komeito demonstrated a strong ability to win votes. This may boost the party's standing in the administration led by the Liberal Democratic Party.