Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe scored a major victory in the general election held on Sunday, with his ruling coalition returning to power in a decisive way. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) with coalition partner Komeito won at least 312 seats in the 465-seat House of Representatives, surpassing the 310-seat limit, which secures two-thirds of the seats in the parliament and thus secured a majority. There are still 4 seats yet to be determined.
The victory would increase Abe's chances of winning a new three-year term in September as leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, which would extend his term to 2021, giving him more time to try to win public opinion against his goal of revising Japan's pacifist constitution.
Abe's victory also means a continuation of the policies he has pursued since taking office in December 2012, including stimulus monetary policy. The Japanese stock rose with the start of the week following this big win. Abe's ruling coalition has a two-thirds majority already in the less powerful Senate, and an absolute majority in both houses gives him the freedom to push for controversial policies and legislation.
Abe said the results indicate voters support his policy and want him to remain at the top of Japan's political leadership.
