Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in historic first
Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 leaders.
Actually, a specialist compares assuming the country's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice".
But why does Japan keep changing prime ministers? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Prof James Brown of Temple University in Japan.
The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from external parties.
"Therefore inside the LDP there are vicious struggles within various groups - they all want their own clique to get the leadership position."
"So even though you might be chosen as leader, as soon as you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again."
Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover
- One-party dominance limits external competition
- Party infighting fuel leadership contests
- The prime minister's position is frequently called a "poisoned chalice"
- Government continuity stays difficult to achieve despite financial power
