Japan's new PM Ishiba struggles with historically low approval ratings as election nears

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, as per reports, is facing a troubling outlook as he prepares for the October 27 general election. His dismal approval ratings — the lowest for any new Japanese leader in decades — are threatening his leadership and the stability of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

What is Ishiba's public rating?

Ishiba's current public support, as per the South China Morning Post (SCMP) stands at just 28 per cent, according to a recent Jiji Press poll. This marks the lowest initial approval for a new Japanese leader since 2000. Even though this is slightly better than former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's 18.7 per cent before he exited the leadership race in September, it still fails to reach the critical 30 per cent threshold, which analysts consider a "danger zone" for political leaders.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Kishida started his term with over 40 per cent support, while his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga, began with 51.2 per cent.

What does this mean for the Japanese PM?

Political analyst Stephen Nagy anticipates that the LDP could lose its absolute majority, but may remain in power with the help of its junior coalition partner, Komeito.

"I expect the LDP to lose its absolute majority but probably remain in power with Komeito, which will in return be able to promote some of its more family-friendly social policies," said Nagy, a politics professor at Tokyo's International Christian University as quoted by SCMP.

He said that a complete loss of power is also "possible", though unlikely, given the disarray among opposition parties, which have struggled to unite behind strong candidates.

Ishiba was chosen as party leader due to his clean image amid several scandals that have plagued the LDP. However, he has struggled to distance himself from these issues.

Currently, the LDP holds 247 seats in the 465-member chamber, allowing for a comfortable majority without Komeito's 32 seats. However, retaining the necessary 233 seats to maintain that majority is increasingly doubtful given the low approval ratings.

A Yomiuri newspaper survey suggests that among 266 candidates in single-seat districts, only 100 appear secure, while about 120 races remain too close to call, and another 40 candidates face significant opposition.

(With inputs from agencies)