Japan on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten leaders.
Actually, one expert compares taking up the nation's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the main political competition originates within the party, instead of from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you could be selected as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength