Japanese elections

Via The Agonist:

From Channel News Asia:

TOKYO: Japan goes to the polls Sunday to deliver Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi a verdict on his public pension reforms and controversial policy to keep troops in Iraq as part of a multinational force.

[. . .]

It looks unlikely that Koizumi's party will win his original target of 51 seats and is projected to take home 48. But if the party secures fewer than 45, most analysts consider Koizumi's position would be in jeopardy.

Using his promises of government reforms and relatively high popularity, Koizumi has weathered two national elections and several by-elections since he took office in April 2001.

[. . .]

Koizumi's support for the US-led war in Iraq and his decision to send troops there, albeit on a non-combat mission, has proved unpopular with many voters.

His approval rating took a dive last month when he told US President George W. Bush -- before consulting the public or parliament -- that the troops in Iraq would stay on as part of the UN-backed force after Iraqi sovereignty was restored.

In contrast, the six-year-old Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), the largest in the opposition camp, has gained momentum with pre-election polls predicting the party would win more seats than the LDP.

[. . .]

Remember Spanish elections after the Madrid train bombings? Well the same shit might happen in Japan. Another of those misguided few who followed President Clueless to war in Iraq. Ol' Koizumi might be out of a job before long too. I sorta like him 'cause he's a nut, sorta like a Japanese Professor Erwin Corey.