The conservative grip is slipping in Fukui Prefecture ahead of Sunday¡¯s Lower House vote, following a recent gubernatorial election that left major fractures within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

The No. 1 constituency in the snowbound prefecture sees high-profile seven-term lawmaker Tomomi Inada, 66, holding the upper hand in the campaign.

In the No. 2 constituency, in contrast, the LDP was unable to field a candidate, reflecting lingering friction between the party¡¯s prefectural chapter and the party headquarters.