Election Can Japan's Liberal Democrats hold on to power?

Bruised by financial scandals, a cost-of-living crisis and unpopular leaders, Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP), which has been in office for most of the past seven decades, might have been expected to be nearing its end.

- Justin McCurry

The election on 27 October takes place a year earlier than many had expected, after the shock resignation of the prime minister, Fumio Kishida, following record low approval ratings and fury at the LDP's apparent addiction to "money politics".

His successor, Shigeru Ishiba, was selected last month by party MPs and rank-and-file members to revive the LDP's fortunes and douse the flames of a factional war in which Ishiba narrowly saw off a challenge from the party's right.

Yet even at a time of political turmoil, polling suggests many believe the party will go into the 465-seat lower house election reasonably confident it will be returned to office for the fifth time in succession. Some polls suggest the LDP will retain its majority, aided by a low turnout and a divided opposition.