Survey shows 49% back Ishiba’s decision to stay on as prime minister, while 40% oppose
Public support for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba remains higher than opposition to his leadership, despite his ruling coalition’s recent election defeat, according to a new NHK poll.
Following his ruling coalition's loss in the upper house election on July 20, Ishiba has rejected multiple calls from within his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to step down, signaling his intention to stay in office.
NHK conducted the survey by telephone over three days from Saturday, with more than 1,100 participants, the broadcaster reported on Wednesday.
Results showed 49% backed Ishiba’s decision to stay on, while 40% opposed it and 11% declined to answer.
Among LDP supporters, 69% favored Ishiba remaining in office, compared to 23% who wanted him to step down.
Some party members believe that Ishiba isn’t solely to blame for the election setback and that the party’s funding scandal played a role. Others say the public may view these developments as a power struggle.
While certain lawmakers are calling for an extraordinary leadership race to move beyond the defeat — allowing Ishiba to run if he chooses — others warn that open infighting could further erode public support if key policy issues remain unresolved.
