Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens taking up the nation's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
However, what is the reason does Japan keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all desire their own clique to get the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Party infighting drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains elusive despite economic strength
