Akio YOSHINO: The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) reported a landslide victory in the Lower House election, taking advantage of fragmenting in the opposition parties. The ruling coalition (LDP-Komeito) maintained its two-thirds majority in the House (313 of the 465 seats). The victory in the Lower House elections gives the ruling coalition control of both Houses of the Diet, the House of Representatives (Lower) and the House of Councilors (Upper). Having majorities in both chambers allows Prime Minister Abe to be flexible with regard to passing legislation. Also, the PM has greater discretion with regard to revising the constitution, though this is a controversial issue.

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