The possible snap elections this October will be a referendum on the Abe administration's five-year track record in power that has been marked by economic growth, growing security ties and political stability. Stable leadership has brought deregulation, improved corporate governance standards and a host of other policies. Achievements include increased employment, capital investment and increased corporate profits.
At the same time, a series of scandals and gaffs involving members of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet and even himself has shaken his support among his conservative base. This drop resulted in a Cabinet reshuffle in early August, which allowed him to regain some of his support.
While Abe's second stint as prime minister has not been without problems, missteps and questionable relationships, the characterization by some commentators as a "long list of broken promises and unrealized goals" and a failure is grossly inaccurate.