Ishiba Calls General Election Result Harsh Judgment

   Tokyo, Oct. 28 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Monday that he and his ruling Liberal Democratic Party received an "extremely harsh judgment" from the electorate in the country's general election Sunday.
   But Ishiba, who doubles as LDP president, declared his intention to continue as prime minister, saying that "a standstill in national politics cannot be allowed in the severe security and economic environment."
   In the closely watched election, the LDP lost its single-party majority in the 465-seat House of Representatives, apparently due to public outcry over the high-profile slush funds scandal at the party. In addition, the party and its coalition partner Komeito were unable to maintain their combined majority in the all-important lower chamber of the Diet, the Japanese parliament.
   "We are not expecting a coalition (with more parties) at this point," the prime minister said of the possibility of expanding the ruling bloc to regain a majority. "We have to start with extensive discussions (with other parties)."
   Ishiba said that "the biggest problem" for him and the LDP is that the public's anger over the issue of "politics and money" has yet to be dispelled, referring to the slush funds scandal and other matters regarding political funds.

(2024/10/28-16:22)

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