Abe’s party under fire in Tokyo poll

Tokyo – Tokyo went to the polls in a local election yesterday that could have national consequences as the capital’s governor mounts a challenge to the party of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose popularity has slumped.

Former TV anchor Yuriko Koike is hoping her coalition can beat the local arm of Abe’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which holds a majority in the 127-seat Tokyo assembly. Koike, who was elected as governor in a landslide last year, is rumoured to have her eye on Abe’s job.

The energetic 64-year-old quit the LDP this month to lead her own party, Tomin First no Kai (Tokyo Residents First), and is hoping to storm the male-dominated chamber after forging an alliance with the local chapter of the Komeito party.

Polls suggest the LDP could lose its leading position to Koike’s coalition. With approval ratings topping 60%, she has pushed to rein in overspending on the Tokyo 2020 Olympic stadium and venues, pledging to cut wasteful expenditure under the LDP’s watch.

The popular politician has upturned convention by allowing television cameras into what were traditionally closed-door meetings. A former defence and environment minister, she is also responsible for overseeing a controversial relocation of the world-famous Tsukiji fish market.

Tokyo residents, and many others across Japan, have applauded her approach.

“The Tokyo assembly (dominated by the LDP) is seriously old-fashioned and needs to change,” said Tokyo voter Yoshikazu Niwa, 68, who voiced his support for Koike.

While the vote is local, it is an important indicator of national political sentiment and comes as Abe, who was elected prime minister in 2012, suffers a series of setbacks.