Global News Podcast Japan's prime minister wins landslide election victory
33 snips
Feb 9, 2026 
Caroline Davies reports from Lahore on the colorful Basant kite festival and its safety comeback. Jonathan Head in Bangkok breaks down the forces shaping Thailand’s election and what drove the surprise result. Katie Watson from New Zealand outlines the legal drama as Brenton Tarrant seeks to retract his guilty plea and the court processes that follow.
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Majority Opens Door To Constitutional Change
- Sanae Takaichi's landslide gives the LDP a rare two-thirds lower-house majority.
- That majority makes constitutional revision plausible but still needs upper-house support and a referendum.
Defense Push Risks Regional Strain
- Takaichi wants to recognise self-defence forces and boost defence spending to allow a more active military role.
- Those moves risk increasing regional tensions, especially with China and unsettling neighbours like South Korea.
Local Power Beats Reform Momentum
- Thailand's election produced a surprisingly strong showing for the incumbent conservative parties.
- Local constituency strength and established politicians propelled Anutin Chavirikul's coalition to likely victory.