Nov 08 (NHK) - Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has apologized to lawmakers of his Liberal Democratic Party for its poor results in last month's Lower House elections and called on them to unite.
The main ruling LDP lost 56 seats in the election, though it still has the most of any party, with 191 of the chamber's 465 seats. The ruling coalition of the LDP and its junior partner Komeito failed to secure a majority.
The LDP held a meeting of its lawmakers of both the upper and lower houses on Thursday to review the election results. More than 200, or about two thirds of all LDP Diet members, attended.
At the start of the meeting, Ishiba apologized, saying it is deeply regrettable that the party lost many seats in the elections.
He said he thinks his relatively high approval rate when he became LDP president reflects people's expectation that he can change the party into one that listens to their voices.
Ishiba also said he deeply regrets that he had many shortcomings after assuming the post.
But he said national politics, including economic policies, measures against inflation and assistance for people affected by disasters, should not be allowed to stall for even a moment.
Ishiba asked for cooperation from the lawmakers so that the party can listen to people's opinions and move forward without fail.
LDP Secretary-General Moriyama Hiroshi said he feels strong responsibility for the disappointing election results.
But he said the party needs to deal with a range of issues, including a parliamentary vote to choose a prime minister, and implement economic and other measures.
He added that the LDP will listen to members of both ruling and opposition camps who were chosen by the people to represent them.
