Japan set to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten prime ministers.
In fact, a specialist compares assuming the nation's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the country's politics means the primary rivalry originates inside the party, instead of from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all want their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power
