TOKYO (Reuters), Japanese voters have decided whether or not to support Fumio Kinshida’s conservative government.

This is Kishida’s first test as he called the election shortly after assuming the top position this month. It also represents a challenge for his Liberal Democratic Party, (LDP), that has been hurt by the perceived mishandling the coronavirus pandemic.

While the government has made strides to assist poorer citizens, it is unable to make progress on policies. The military budget was also increased and China’s position taken more seriously.

Opposition polls suggest that the LDP could lose its single majority in Parliament’s Lower House for the first time since 2009. But, the coalition of Komeito and the LDP are expected to continue in power.

Sheila A. Smith is senior fellow at The Council on Foreign Relations. She wrote that “Revolving door prime ministers are a weakness many outside Japan fear.” “Prime Minister Kishida will need a unified party and a strong electoral showing on Oct. 31 if he is to successfully tackle Japan’s difficult national agenda.”

Although the largest opposition party, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is likely to win seats, it will not be able to overthrow Kishida’s government.

A large number of LDP seats may be lost, leading to infighting within the party. This could bring Japan back to an era when Japan was subject to short-lived governments that diminished Japan’s international standing. Shinzo abe, Japan’s eighth president, held this office for eight years until September 2020.

The newspaper estimates that 40% of single-seat district districts are made up of close races, and polls show some 40% unconvinced voters.

The voting ends at 8 pm (1100 GMT). Proposed results from exit polls are likely to follow shortly.

Kishida stated that his coalition would maintain at least an 233-seat majority in the lower chamber. The coalition held a dominant two-thirds majority (305), while the LDP had 276.

Political watchers and investors are focused on the LDP’s ability to keep its majority in one party, despite being in power only for a few short periods since 1955 when it was founded. This would reduce Kishida’s power base and party’s ability to stand against the dovish Komeito.

The normally divided opposition has been united and arranged for one party, including the Communist widely disregarded to take on the coalition in all districts.

According to NHK’s poll, only 8% support the Constitutional Democrats and 39% back LDP.