Japan on course to choose female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all want their own faction to get the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
