CRI听力:Abe's Coalition Wins Japanese Parliamentary Elections

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ruling coalition has won a new two-thirds majority in parliamentary elections.

Japanese media say Abe's Liberal Democratic Party retained its House of Representatives majority.

It will govern with the smaller Komeito party.

Abe, who came to office two years ago, called the snap vote last month to secure support for his economic policies that are designed to pull Japan out of two decades of deflation and kick-start the country's stagnant economy.

The victory could also improve Abe's chances of pushing ahead with difficult political and economic reforms.

However, doubtful of the premier's "Abenomics" strategy, many voters stayed at home, with interim figures showing turnout on track for a record low.

While saying he's relieved at his win, Abe acknowledged that many Japanese are not feeling the benefits of his policies yet.

"My 'Abenomics' policies are still only half-way done. But I believe we have moved away from those dark days two or three years ago. I am aware that there are still a lot of people who still do not feel the benefits. But it's my duty to bring about these policies to those very people, and I believe this election also voiced that clearly."

After an initial burst of growth, Japan slipped back into recession in the second half of this year.

Many economists have blamed the recession an increase in Japan's sales tax, from 5% to 8% in April.

Abe decided last month to put off a second tax hike to 10 percent until April 2017, raising concerns about how Japan will curb its huge public debt, the worst among advanced nations.