Days, if not weeks, of negotiations between Bhumjaithai and potential coalition partners, aimed at giving the next government a majority of seats, are expected to follow before the Election Commission ...

Sanae Takaichi, who has proved popular as the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, was on course for a sweeping mandate after a snap election on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaich has pledged to ease restrictions on arms exports and allow Japan to pursue joint defence equipment projects with other countries.