The coalition ruling Japan and led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stands before its greatest challenge on Sunday, when approximately 100 citizens cast their votes for half of the seats of the 242-seat House of Councilors, the upper chamber of Japan’s bicameral parliament.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) took a major blow after a scandal centered on the misplacement of 50 million pensions and according to the latest surveys, it’s trailing behind the opposition.

This scandal, corroborated with the suicide of former minister of agriculture Toshikatsu Matsuoka and the resignation of defence minister Fumio Kyuma amid vexed declarations regarding the atomic bombs launched in World War II, shattered the credibility of Abe’s cabinet and it seems Japanese tend to give the opposition a chance to show what is capable of.

An eventual defeat in Sunday’s balloting could force Abe to reshuffle his cabinet or even present his resignation, along with the weakening of influence in the upper house. With that support lost, budgets and different projects will certainly be more difficult to pass and renewed political arguments would surface.

Ten months ago, Abe took office from a completely different position, having the support of most people and his immediate diplomatic success boosted his confidence even more.

But slowly, Abe’s popularity went downhill due to criticism coming mainly from the opposing Democratic Party of Japan.

”If you miss this greatest chance to make Japan a respectable country, Abe's coalition government ... would further destroy our lives and our country,” a statement released by the main opposition party read.

Thus, Sunday’s voting is seen more as a vote of confidence for Abe and his cabinet, but could also pose a threat for the LDP’s continuity in Japan.