The shock parliamentary election result in Japan has left the country in political limbo as the ruling coalition suffered a rare defeat and no party won enough seats to take a clear leadership mandate.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and junior coalition partner Komeito won 215 seats in the lower house of parliament; 233 seats are needed to form a majority.

The main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), increased its number of seats to 148 from 98 previously.

According to the constitution, parties are now given 30 days to try to form a coalition government. There may be days or weeks of political wrangling ahead.

The LDP’s coalition still has a majority in the less powerful upper house.

The result was a major setback for Mr. Ishiba, who became prime minister less than a month ago.

Mr. Ishiba’s decision to call early elections was a political gamble that backfired. His party was significantly weakened.

Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

The election comes amid widespread public anger over the ruling party’s handling of a corruption scandal and discontent with the state of government. of japan stagnant economy.

Mr Ishiba told the state broadcaster: “The results achieved so far are extremely serious and we take them very seriously.”

“I believe the voters are telling us to think harder and be a party that meets their expectations,” he said.

Mr. Ishiba took over the leadership of the party from Fumio Kishdia, who resigned in September after its popularity waned amid the cost-of-living crisis and months of revelations about the misuse of political donations.

Meanwhile, CDPJ leader Yoshihiko Noda said: “We achieved our goal of blocking the majority of the ruling coalition, which was a great success.”

The LDP governed Japan for decades throughout much of the country’s postwar period.

Now they face the challenge of putting together a coalition government, which will likely require political concessions and negotiations to include smaller parties.

Read more from Sky News:
Comedian made ‘racist’ statements at Donald Trump rally
Gerard Depardieu’s trial begins on sexual assault charges

This election drama is unprecedented in Japan. The country is known for its political stability. It is an important partner of the United States and a key anchor of regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

With growing concerns among U.S. allied nations about China’s rise and assertive action in the South China Sea, a stable Japan is seen as the cornerstone of efforts to counter Beijing’s ambitions.

With US elections around the corner, there is pressure on Japan to get its political wing in order as soon as possible.