Japan's opposition sees record boost ahead of snap elections

​​​​​​​By Berk Kutay Gokmen

ISTANBUL (AA) - Japan’s new party, Centrist Reform Alliance, became the largest opposition force in the House of Representatives on Thursday with more than 220 candidates running in the Feb. 8 snap elections.

The party is looking to challenge the conservative ruling coalition led by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with members from the two previous opposition parties, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) and Komeito.

"This is a challenge by people who have gathered under the centrist idea," Yoshihiko Noda, former head of CDPJ and co-leader of the Centrist Reform Alliance, said at the party's inauguration convention, according to Kyodo News.

Noda said the Centrist Reform Alliance will prioritize the perspective of "ordinary citizens," including those struggling to make ends meet amid rising prices, with zero consumption tax on food being a centerpiece of its campaign platform.

As Takaichi is expected to dissolve the lower house Friday, the Centrist Reform Alliance announced the first batch of 227 candidates to be fielded in the election for the 465-seat lower chamber.

The ruling coalition, formed in October by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party, holds a slim majority in the lower house and remains a minority in the House of Councilors.

A party or coalition needs at least 233 seats in the lower house of Japan’s bicameral parliament to elect a prime minister.​​​​​​​