The need for a political steering wheel in the hands of elected politicians was highlighted in 1993, when two major political figures bolted from the LDP with their followers. By doing so, they catalyzed the reformist political movement that resulted in the DPJ, the first credible opposition party that – unlike the Socialists who engaged in mere ritualistic opposition – was prepared to win elections and actually govern rather than merely maintain the façade of government that had become the norm under the LDP.