Japan's Ruling Coalition Grabs 78 Seats, Gains Comfortable Upper House MajorityJapanese ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), gained a comfortable majority in the House of Councillors with a total of 78 seats.The LDP itself gained 64 seats, its larger partner the New Komeito party grabbing 13 seats. The New Conservative Party, the LDP's other coalition partner, won 1 seat. The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) snatched 26 seats. The election was held on Sunday. The official result will be announced later Monday morning. |
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