TOKYO, Jul 10, 2022 (AFP) — Japan’s ruling coalition is touted as the big winner in Sunday’s Senate election, two days after former prime minister Shinzo Abe was killed during a campaign event.
According to a projection by the state channel, the Liberal Democratic Party (PLD), which governs the country and to which Abe belongs, and its ally (Komeito party) are expected to win between 70 and 83 of the 125 seats in the upper house. NHK.
Even before the assassination that shocked the country, the PLD and Komeito were advancing to strengthen their majority.
Kenta Izumi, leader of the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party, which is expected to lose a few seats, conceded defeat, saying it was clear “voters don’t want to change”, according to Kyodo News.
According to the latest data available on Monday morning, voter turnout was 52%.
“I think it’s important that the elections are held normally,” said current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, adding that he will focus his mandate on Covid, Ukraine and inflation.
Friday’s assassination of the former prime minister eclipsed the vote, but Fumio Kishida, head of government and Abe’s successor, insisted that the shock of the crime would not disrupt the democratic process.
Abe’s body arrived in Tokyo on Saturday from the western part of the country where he was shot on Friday.
The murder came as a huge shock to the country and the international community, who condemned Abe’s condolences and crime, including countries with strained relations such as China and South Korea.
Accused of murder, 41-year-old Tetsuya Yamagami was arrested and told investigators that he attacked Abe because he believed the politician was linked to an unnamed organization.
Japanese media described the entity as a religious organization and claimed that Yamagami’s family was experiencing financial problems due to his mother’s donations to the group.
According to various reports, the suspect visited the Okayama prefecture on Thursday with the intent of killing Abe in another act, but withdrew because participants were required to register their names and addresses.
“Remorse”
Abe was giving a campaign speech in support of a PLD candidate in the Nara region (western Japan) when Yamagami opened fire.
It was announced that Abe, who was shot twice in the neck, died a few hours later, despite the efforts of a team of 20 doctors.
Japan is a country with low rate of violent crime and has strict laws on possession of guns, and as a result, security in campaign actions is not that strict.
Security has been tightened for the events with Prime Minister Kishida following the murder of Abe.
Takao Sueki, 79, said he went to the polls, taking into account international instability, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“When I look at the situation in the world, I think about how Japan will run the scenario,” he said.
Police on Saturday acknowledged the flaws in Abe’s security device and promised a thorough investigation.
“It is undeniable that there are problems with the escort and security arrangements of former Prime Minister Abe,” said Nara police chief Tomoaki Onizuka.
Without holding back tears, the commander also stated that he had “not felt this much remorse and regret” since he became a police officer in 1995.
A public awakening and a private funeral
Abe’s office said there would be a wake up Monday night. Only family and close friends will attend a simple funeral on Tuesday.
Japanese media reported that the two events should take place at Zojoji Temple in Tokyo.
Antony Blinken, head of US diplomacy in Asia, will visit Japan on Monday to offer his condolences.
Kishida, 64, has a solid parliamentary majority alongside Komeito, the LDP’s main ally in the ruling coalition.
But the prime minister will face major political hurdles such as inflation and energy shortages.
source: Noticias
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