There is an important difference between the DPJ and the LDP on raising the consumption tax issue: the DPJ promised that it would not raise the tax during its first term in office. The LDP, in contrast, pledged that it would. So DPJ voters feel justified in punishing the DPJ for breaking its promise, hence the potentially greater electoral repercussions for the DPJ.

Best,

Aurelia George Mulgan
UNSW, Canberra