Date:12/09/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/09/12/stories/2005091204651600.htm

International

Landslide win for Koizumi

P. S. Suryanarayana

Mandate for his reform agenda in a snap general election

SINGAPORE: Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Sunday night won a landslide mandate for his reform agenda in a snap general election held earlier in the day.

Mr. Koizumi said in an election-related television programme late at night that the victory would help him fashion greater "achievements" than the "best that was hoped for." He claimed victory as the results poured in and exit poll projections showed that his Liberal Democratic Party had won at least 296 seats in the House of Representatives. With his coalition partner, the New Komeito Party, winning another 30 seats, he was assured of a landslide victory.