LDP Keeps Single-Party "Absolute Stable Majority" In Lower House

State broadcaster NHK reports that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party secured 261 seats and retained a single-party majority in the House of Representatives. Despite reducing its representation from the pre-election 276 seats, the LDP managed to reach the crucial threshold of "absolute stable majority," just.

• While only 233 seats are required to form a simple majority in Japan's lower house, commanding an "absolute stable majority" allows to dominate all 17 standing committees and nominate their chairpersons, smoothing the passage of legislation.
• Initial exit polls and early results suggested that the LDP could lose its single-party majority. It regained poise as the vote count progressed, eventually achieving a result which means it will not rely on coalition partner Komeito to pass bills. Komeito won 32 seats, up from 29 held before the election.
• The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan's seat count stands at 96, down from the 109 seats it had before the election. It is an underwhelming result in the light of the pact formed by five opposition parties, whereby they fielded joint candidates in some 70% of single-seat districts.
• The right-leaning Nippon Ishin no Kai increased its representation by almost four times and secured 41 seats. This means that Nippon Ishin will replace Komeito as the third-largest party in the House of Representatives.
• Despite the party's generally solid performance, some veteran LDP lawmakers lost in their home constituencies. Secretary General Amari and faction chief Ishihara suffered most high-profile defeats.