TOKYO:  Japan`s centre-left coalition government on Sunday lost its majority in the parliamentary upper house, spelling the threat of policy gridlock, according to several media exit polls.

The ruling Democratic Party of Japan, which holds 62 uncontested seats, was likely to win only 44-51 additional seats, far short of a majority, in the 242-seat upper house, according to exit polls by public broadcaster NHK.

Its coalition partner, the People`s New Party, was only likely to win one more seat in the House of Councillors, the less powerful chamber, NHK said.

The governing of Prime Minister Naoto Kan was not threatened, because it holds a majority in the more powerful lower chamber, but the result makes it more difficult to pass laws and will force it to seek new coalition partners.

Other media also predicted that the government had lost its upper house majority. Tokyo Broadcasting Systems forecast that the DPJ won 48 new seats in the upper house, while TV Asahi gave the ruling centre-left party 47 new seats.

BDST: 1735 HRS, July 11, 2010