The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first
In the past twenty years, the country has seen over ten prime ministers.
Actually, one expert likens taking up the nation's highest office 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 Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within different factions - they all want their own clique to get the leadership position."
"So even though you could be chosen as prime minister, as soon as you're in office, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to get you out again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The leadership role is often described as a "cursed position"
- Political stability stays elusive despite financial power
