🔗 Share this article Japan on course to elect woman prime minister in landmark first Over the last two decades, the country has had over ten leaders. In fact, one expert compares taking up the country's highest office to drinking from a "cursed cup". But why does the country frequently replace prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates within the party, rather than from opposition groups. "Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own clique to secure the top job." "So even though you could be chosen as leader, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals manoeuvring to try to remove you again." Key Factors Behind Rapid Turnover One-party dominance restricts external competition Party infighting fuel power struggles The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position" Political stability remains elusive despite financial power