Japan set to elect female prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, Japan has had more than 10 prime ministers.
Actually, a specialist likens taking up the country's top job to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does the country keep changing leaders? It's due in part of it being a "single-party system", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the main political competition originates inside the party, instead of from opposition groups.
"So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all desire their own clique to get the leadership position."
"Thus although you might be selected as prime minister, as soon as you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again."
Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance restricts outside challenges
- Internal factional rivalries drive power struggles
- The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice"
- Political stability stays elusive despite financial power
