Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Professor James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own faction to secure the top job."
"So even though you might be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule limits outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite economic strength
