ABSTRACT
The decline of the factions which followed the political reforms, was most obvious in the LDP’s system of appointments and promotions, especially the election of the party president. Presidential elections were once contests between faction bosses, but they have come to tend to result in the selection of popular leaders, capable of becoming the party’s ‘brand ambassador’. Promotions to the cabinet and party executive positions increasingly de-emphasise faction balance and allow for selective appointments to take place. In short, one can say that the party’ s system of promotion has become one where the power of the prime minister and party president has strengthened. Even so, today as before factions remain one key factor that is considered at the time appointments are made. Premier Abe does give important posts to faction bosses, so this still plays a part. Moreover the ‘rule of elections won’ (seniority rule) has not lost its importance.
