Amid skepticism, CDP faces once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in October 27 polls

The upcoming general election on October 27 presents the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), the largest opposition party in parliament, with a unique opportunity to present itself as a credible alternative to the scandal-tainted Liberal Democratic Party. (LDP) in the eyes of voters.

However, despite the LDP grappling with its handling of a fund scandal, the CDP still faces deep doubts about its ability to govern, and the drive for a change of government has remained slow.

The party’s newly appointed leader, former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda, appears wary of unwarranted optimism.