Komeito Kingmaker: Japan's Ruling Party Loses Key Ally Before Snap Election

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has lost its longtime coalition partner just months before a likely national election. This sudden shift makes the smaller Komeito party a potential political kingmaker. Komeito, which is affiliated with a Buddhist religious movement, ended its alliance with the LDP. The split is due to policy disagreements with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to announce the dissolution of the House of Representatives on January 23. This is the first day of the new parliamentary session. A snap election for the lower house will likely follow. Polling is currently scheduled for February 8 or February 15. Without Komeito's established support, the LDP now faces a more difficult campaign. The smaller party's votes were crucial in many urban districts in past elections. Komeito's new independence means it could support opposition parties in key races. This could decide who forms Japan's next government.