TOKYO, July 21: The Latest on Japanese upper house elections.
Exit polls show Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition is certain to secure the majority of 124 seats contested in upper house elections.
Japanese media released result projections shortly after polls closed at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Public broadcaster NHK says Abe’s ruling bloc is sure to win 63 seats, and may reach the two-thirds super majority needed to propose a constitutional revision.
Nov 20 polls: Where Do We Go From Here?
Abe hopes to gain enough seats to boost chances for revising the constitution, his long-cherished goal before his term ends in 2021.
Sunday’s election was for the less powerful of Japan’s two parliamentary chambers. The upper house does not choose the prime minister.
Japanese are voting in an election for the upper house of parliament, where Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling bloc is expected to keep the majority.
Up for grabs Sunday are 124 seats in the less powerful of Japan’s two chambers that doesn’t choose the prime minister.
Media polls have indicated Abe’s ruling bloc is expected to keep the majority as most voters consider it as a safer choice over an opposition with uncertain track records.
Opposition parties have focused on concerns over household finances, such as the impact from an upcoming sales tax increase and strains on the public pension system amid an aging population.
Abe hopes to gain enough seats to boost chances for a constitutional revision, his long-cherished goal before his term ends in 2021.
