Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, Japan has seen over ten prime ministers.
In fact, a specialist likens assuming the nation's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from external parties.
"So within the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you could be selected as leader, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- Single-party rule limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
