Delay in Approval of Report detailing Upper House Election Loss by LDP

Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to Review Election Defeat

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Japan is set to revisit its defeat in the House of Councillors election, with a revised report scheduled for submission to a general meeting of LDP lawmakers on Tuesday. The report will focus on the key factors behind the LDP's loss, particularly the issues of politics and money, and a specific gaffe.

According to the LDP Election Strategy Committee Chairman, Seiji Kihara, some pointed out that the causes of the LDP's defeat were inadequately addressed in the initial report. As a result, revisions are being made to address these concerns.

One of the key revisions is expected to address a gaffe by Upper House lawmaker Yosuke Tsuruho, who said it was "lucky" that an earthquake occurred in the Noto Peninsula last year. This statement has been criticized as insensitive and inappropriate.

Another area of focus for the revised report will be the issue of politics and money, centred around a political funds scandal. The report is expected to provide a detailed analysis of how this issue contributed to the LDP's defeat.

The revised report will also address the internal objections over the report's failure to address the responsibility of the current party leadership, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. This is a significant development, as the report's finalization has not yet been confirmed due to ongoing discussions about the revisions.

Following the report's finalization, attention will shift to the fate of party Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama. Moriyama previously stated he would "clarify responsibility" following the adoption of the report at a general meeting of LDP lawmakers.

The LDP's election review committee plans to discuss the revisions to the report on Tuesday, with the aim of submitting the revised report to the same meeting for consideration. The report's submission and potential revisions were initially scheduled for Tuesday, but have been delayed due to the ongoing discussions about the revisions.

The revised report will be a crucial document for the LDP, as it seeks to learn from its defeat and move forward. The report's findings will provide valuable insights into the factors that contributed to the LDP's loss, and will help the party to develop strategies for future elections.