Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens assuming the country's top job to taking a "cursed cup".
But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The LDP's grip on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from inside the party, rather than from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the top job."
"So even though you could be selected as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes
- One-party dominance restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position"
- Government continuity remains elusive despite financial power