EXPLAINERNews|PoliticsJapan to vote for new PM amid political uncertainty: All you need to knowLDP’s Sanae Takaichi needs to find coalition partners from opposition to become Japan’s first female prime minister.

The Japanese Diet is scheduled to convene for an extraordinary session to elect the next prime minister. This follows the recent dissolution of a 26-year coalition between the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito party after Sanae Takaichi assumed leadership of the LDP.

The LDP, traditionally a dominant force in Japanese politics, has faced challenges in maintaining its majority in the legislative houses due to issues such as a major corruption scandal and the cost-of-living crisis. The party is now at risk of losing power unless it can secure support from another opposition party.

Reports indicate that the LDP may be negotiating a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin) to ensure Takaichi's election as prime minister. However, details of such an agreement remain unconfirmed by both parties.

Sanae Takaichi, 64, is affiliated with the conservative faction of the LDP and was previously mentored by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She succeeded Shigeru Ishiba as LDP leader following his resignation in September, campaigning on a platform focused on aggressive fiscal policies to address Japan's economic challenges.

Takaichi proposes strengthening Japan’s military and holds conservative views on social issues such as same-sex marriage. Her leadership led to a breakdown in negotiations with Komeito, primarily over corporate donation regulations following an LDP scandal involving misappropriation of funds.

Takaichi requires a majority of 233 seats in the Lower House of the Diet to secure her position as prime minister. This may necessitate negotiations with other opposition parties, such as the Japan Innovation Party. Conversely, if opposition parties unite, they could potentially form a government, although ideological differences pose challenges to this scenario.

Experts suggest that even if Takaichi becomes prime minister, her government would be based on a minority, complicating policy implementation for the LDP.

Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the Democratic Party for the People (DPFP), is considered a potential challenger. While the DPFP holds a smaller number of seats, collaboration with other parties like the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) could secure a majority.

The possibility of a coalition between the Japan Innovation Party and the LDP is also noted, given their shared views on major policy issues.

The LDP is expected to maintain governance for the time being, but Takaichi may face a challenging tenure as a weaker prime minister. Her ability to navigate both international and domestic political landscapes will be crucial.

Experts highlight that Japan's political scene may evolve, with increased emphasis on coalition-building and compromise among parties to ensure stable governance.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.