🔗 Share this article The nation on course to elect woman prime minister in historic first Over the last two decades, Japan has seen more than 10 leaders. Actually, one expert compares taking up the nation's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice". However, what is the reason does the country keep changing prime ministers? It's due in part of it being a "one-party democracy", explains Professor James Brown of Temple University Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the country's politics means the main political competition originates inside the party, rather than from opposition groups. "So within the LDP there are vicious struggles within different factions - they all desire their own faction to get the leadership position." "Thus although you might be chosen as prime minister, the moment you're in power, you have many individuals scheming to try to get you out again." Key Factors Behind Frequent Changes Single-party rule restricts outside challenges Party infighting fuel power struggles The prime minister's position is frequently called a "cursed position" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength