ABSTRACT
The 2000 election was not quite as complex as the 1996 election had been. Most notably, the opposition camp had been simplified. Instead of both the NFP and DPJ competing to unseat the LDP, this time there was only one, admittedly weak, challenger in the DPJ. Though support for the Obuchi cabinet closely paralleled coalition decisions, support for the LDP was not affected as much or as clearly. Despite Prime Minister Mori's unpopularity, the LDP entered the election on something of a high note, with increasing support in the polls. Of course, that increase was from a low base and did not reach 35 per cent of the public. LDP candidates managed to hold on to a higher percentage of their 1996 vote but the coefficients for the allied vote vary little across parties. The break-up of the NFP had a significant impact on the fortunes of individual candidates and parties in particular districts.
