PoliticsJapan: Vote Day: Lower house election will probably put Liberal Democrats in power, perhaps with conservative coalition partner

We're watching the results of Japan's national election vote for a new lower house, it seems like the Liberal Democrat's who've been out of government for 3 years will form new govt, maybe with new conservative party, the Japan Restoration Party, led by Shintara Ishihara, for many years Mayor of Tokyo, and earlier a novelist.  But the spotlight is on Shinzo Abe, leader of the conservative LibDems who may get the most votes but need a coalition party to install a stable government.  Mr Ishihara woud exact his own price,  Prime Minister under President Abe.

— Politicarp, refWrite Frontpage politics newspotter, analyst, columnist

Asia News Network (Dec16,2k12)

VOTE: Voters fill in ballot papers at a polling station in Tokyo today. The Japanese voters began casting ballots for a House of Representatives election which is likely to return conservative Liberal Democratic Party to power after three years in the wilderness. AFP

Japanese voters head to polls as change seen Conservative Liberal Democratic Party is expected to return to power after a 3-year hiatus

Japanese vote today in lower house elction which is expected to see conservative Liberal Democratic Party's return to power, The Yomiuri Shimbun writes. To cut emissions when particulate matter far exceeds limit, Beijing will take a certain percentage of official vehicles off the road, according to China Daily. Philippines' contentious reproductive health bill breeds ill feelings and may lead to the ouster of Senate president,Philippine Daily Inquirer says. Two cross-border bridges will be built to boost Thailand-Malaysia bilateral economic cooperation, The Nationreports. Militants launch a daring rocket attack on Pakistan's Peshawar airport, leaving seven people dead, writes Dawn.