Japan set to elect female prime minister in landmark first
Over the last two decades, Japan has seen over ten prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the country's highest office to taking a "cursed cup".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry 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."
"Thus although you might be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in office, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays elusive despite financial power
