Japan set to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had over ten prime ministers.
In fact, one expert likens assuming the country's highest office to drinking from a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country frequently replace leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", says Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own faction to secure the leadership position."
"So even though you could be selected as leader, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- Single-party rule restricts external competition
- Internal factional rivalries fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
