Japan’s new PM in precarious position as country votes in tight election

Shigeru Ishiba may struggle to win majority, undermining his position as Liberal Democratic party leader

Japan votes in its tightest election in years on Sunday, with new prime minister Shigeru Ishiba and his juggernaut Liberal Democratic party (LDP) facing potentially their worst result since 2009.

Opinion polls suggest the conservative LDP and its junior coalition partner may fall short of a majority, a result that could deal a knockout blow to Ishiba.