In December 2012, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) led by Shinzo Abe won lower house general election. Japan witnessed the political change for the second time in less than four years. Since then, the LDP has experienced two upper house and two lower house elections, all of which have obtained a stable majority of seats. The focus of the academic and public opinion circles has shifted from questioning of Abe’s “shortlived cabinet” to discussion of the possibility of his “longterm administration”. The paper examines the pursuit of Abe’s longterm administration in the perspective of electoral politics. Firstly, Abe and the LDP endeavor to meet the needs of voters in setting policy issues. Policy issues that deviate from the electorate’s expectancy are evaded in the electoral process through flexible operations. Secondly, comparing images of the party’s leaders, we find that the stability of Abe role as the leader of the LDP and the high emotional preference among voters are important factors for his popularity. Finally, the broadness and stability of voters supporting Abe and the LDP make the foundation for the longterm administration.
王广涛、高韵茹. 安倍谋取长期政权的机制分析——基于选举政治学的视角[J]. 太平洋学报, 2018, 26(9): 13-23.
WANG Guangtao KAO Yunju. The Pursuit of Abe’s LongTerm Administration: In the Perspective of Electoral Politics. 太平洋学报, 2018, 26(9): 13-23.