Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen more than 10 prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all want their own faction to get the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Party infighting drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength