Japan set to choose female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, one expert compares assuming the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does the country keep changing 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 political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
