Tokyo: Japan opened polling stations nationwide today in a snap election that is expected to result in a landslide victory for the country's first female prime minister, despite historically heavy snowfall in many areas potentially hindering voter turnout. Polling stations will close at 8:00 PM Japan time today, two hours ahead of Thailand. Media outlets will then begin reporting on their predictions of the election results based on exit polls.

According to Thai News Agency, weather forecasts indicate that up to 70 centimeters of snow could fall in northern and eastern areas today, even in Tokyo, potentially hindering voters from casting their ballots in the freezing weather. The Ministry of Transport reported that as of this morning, 37 train lines and 58 ferry services have been suspended, and 54 flights have been cancelled.

This marks the third time since World War II that Japan has held elections in February, as they are usually held in months with milder weather. In recent years, voter turnout for parliamentary elections has been only around 55 percent. A poll last week suggested that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Innovative Party alliance could win 300 out of 465 seats, making it easier for her to pass legislation, including the budget, in the House of Representatives, where she currently holds a narrow majority. She has announced she will resign if she fails to secure a majority.