(From Yomiuri Shimbun)
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito are on course to secure a majority of the 121 contested seats in the July 10 House of Councillors election, according to a nationwide opinion poll conducted from Sunday to Tuesday by The Yomiuri Shimbun that was coupled with coverage by regional bureaus nationwide.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has set a goal of at least 61 seats, or a majority of the 121 being contested, for the ruling camp in the upper house election.
Meanwhile, the main opposition Democratic Party has been waging an uphill battle. In 12 of the 32 constituencies with one seat up for grabs, unified candidates from four opposition parties including the DP and the Japanese Communist Party are in a close race with rival candidates.
The situation is still fluid, with about 30 percent of constituency voters and about 20 percent of voters in the proportional representation segment not specifying which candidates or political parties they will vote for. Read more