Japan set to choose female prime minister in landmark first
In the past twenty years, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert compares assuming the nation's top job to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - 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 office, you have dozens of people manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Party infighting drive leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite financial power
