🔗 Share this article The nation set to elect woman prime minister in landmark first In the past twenty years, the country has seen more than 10 leaders. Actually, a specialist likens taking up the nation's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup". However, what is the reason does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups. "Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own faction to get the leadership position." "Thus although you could be selected as leader, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again." Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover One-party dominance restricts external competition Internal factional rivalries drive leadership contests The leadership role is frequently called a "cursed position" Political stability remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength