File Photo: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (AP Photo)
Voters began casting ballots in Japan on Sunday for a general election likely to return Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to power, and billed as a referendum on his economic policy.
Polling stations opened at 7:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday) across the nation in a lower house election, officials said.
The vote count starts Sunday night, with broadcasters' exit polls expected soon afterwards.
The premier is seeking a greater mandate for "Abenomics" -- his signature plan to fix the economy -- and observers expect he will barely break a sweat in an easy victory.
Opinion polls predict his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior partner Komeito will sweep the ballot, all but unhindered by an unprepared and underwhelming opposition.