Japan on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Professor 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 opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you could be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
