In this in Tokyo, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, photo, people gather to listen to a campaign speech given by Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike, leader of Party of Hope, during a campaign rally for the Oct. 22 lower house election. Koike, her hand forced by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s decision, hastily launched the new party to contest the election. Her Party of Hope briefly stole the limelight from Abe, attracting a slew of defectors from the Democrats. Media polls indicate Abe’s ruling coalition will handily win the general election, possibly even retaining its two-thirds majority in the more powerful lower house of parliament. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
Republished October 21, 2017 - 6:33 PM
Original Publication Date October 20, 2017 - 6:06 PM
TOKYO - Japanese are voting in a general election that will most likely hand Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition a majority in parliament.
Up for grabs Sunday are 465 seats in the more powerful lower house, which chooses the prime minister. Abe dissolved the chamber less than a month ago, apparently judging that the political environment turned in his favour.
Media polls have indicated voters see Abe's government, despite recent scandals including his own, as a safer choice over an opposition with uncertain track records.
Scare over North Korea's missile and nuclear development is also seen prompting their conservative choice.
An election victory would boost Abe's chances for another three-year term as head of his Liberal Democratic Party next September, extending his premiership.
News from © The Associated Press, 2017