Parliamentary election in Japan underway

Voting for the parliamentary election in Japan began early Sunday (Oct 27).

Voters will decide the fate of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government in the election that is expected to punish his coalition over a funding scandal and inflation, potentially ending a decade of dominance for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Citing opinion polls, a report by the news agency Reuters said that the LDP and its long-time partner Komeito would suffer a drubbing from voters, with the coalition possibly losing its parliamentary majority.

Losing the majority in the Lower House (of Parliament) would force Prime Minister Ishiba into power-sharing negotiations with smaller parties, bringing uncertainty in some policy areas.

Ishiba became the prime minister last month and called for a snap election in Japan._Agencies.