Japan set to elect woman prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist likens assuming the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you could be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance limits outside challenges
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays elusive despite economic strength
