Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten prime ministers.
In fact, a specialist likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does Japan frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains 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, rather than from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
