đź”— Share this article Japan on course to choose woman prime minister in historic first Over the last two decades, the country has seen more than 10 leaders. Actually, a specialist compares assuming the nation's highest office to taking a "poisoned chalice". However, what is the reason does the country frequently replace leaders? This is partly because of it being a "one-party democracy", says Prof James Brown of Temple University Japan. The Liberal Democratic Party's control on the political landscape means the primary rivalry comes from within the party, instead of from opposition groups. "Therefore inside the LDP there are intense conflicts within various groups - they all desire their own faction to secure the leadership position." "So even though you could be selected as leader, the moment you're in power, you have dozens of people scheming to try to get you out again." Main Reasons Behind Rapid Turnover Single-party rule limits external competition Internal factional rivalries fuel power struggles The prime minister's position is often described as a "poisoned chalice" Government continuity remains difficult to achieve despite economic strength