People in Japan have begun casting their votes in a general electionwhich could see the return of the long-ruling conservatives to power.

Polling stations opened at 0700 a.m. local time (2200 GMT) on Sunday and will close at 8 p.m. (1100 GMT), when major TV broadcasters will issue exit polls forecasting results.

The government of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is predicted to suffer a defeat from the opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Media surveys have forecast that the LDP will win a considerable majority in the parliament’s 480-seat lower house. The LDP suffered a major defeat in 2009.

Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appeared set for a return to office.

“With stronger monetary policies, fiscal policies and growth policies, we will end deflation, correct a high yen, and grow the economy,” Abe said on Saturday.

“It is time to put an end to the confusion and doldrums of three years and three months,” Abe stated, referring to Noda’s ruling Democratic Party of Japan. “We have got to take a fresh step forward. Please join us for the fight.”

Source: Presstv