Japan on course to choose female prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own faction to secure the top job."
"Thus although you could be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
