Huge mandate for LDP may be less than meets the eye

He wants to survive more than a year he (Abe) should focus on the economy only and stay clear on everything else on his manifesto.

Better get that ECG before I have a "Shinzo-attack"...

Will come to know his chances of survival once he appoints his men. Most important is for him to deliver on his economic policies, otherwise the market currently reflective of its expectations will plunge back to where it was before. Biggest risk factors are the usual scandals by appointed ministers which always seem to unfold under any leader and distractions from Ishihara who is clearly in a rush to accomplish his goals during his time. Hopefully Koizumi Junior will be appointed as Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, Special Advisor to PM or anything that can show the new face of the LDP effectively representing the younger generation through his fire, determination and eloquence and help stabilize the government which is in the best interests of the entire world.

Yes the economy is in need of help, but before that he HAS to get the people in Tohoku the money and assistance to get back on their feet. Everything is behind schedule it seems, and people there are facing a second winter with little hope.

On a side note, with the 2/3's majority he has he could also make the PM's office more accountable to the people and not the party in power and he should also push for election reform and the manner in which PM's are elected into office. Make the position one where the PM is elected by the people and not by the power brokers in any given party.

Does anyone know how many other juniors (sons & daughters of previous politicians) were elected this time? So far most of these tots have been uninspiring over the years, following like wayward ducklings in daddy's muddy footsteps.

Son of Fukuda was elected this time by unthinking voters keen to impose a feudal system of government on themselves. There were some others but I forget their names.

The electoral system has given the LDP far more seats than their proportion of the vote. In many seats the number of anti-LDP votes was far greater than LDP votes, but split among several candidates. At least they will have no one else to blame if they mess things up. I hope what's left of the opposition don't resort to LDP tactics of boycotts and no-confidence motions and instead come up with some decent, alternative policies.

I hope what's left of the opposition don't resort to LDP tactics of boycotts and no-confidence motions and instead come up with some decent, alternative policies.

It won't matter if they do, the majority that the LDP has can overcome anything they try to toss in the way.

The only Abe I'd ever trust is Lincoln.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elections_in_Japan#2012_General_election