A gunman shot and killed Abe during a political campaign event, shaking Japan and much of the world to the core.
The event was being staged in the lead-up to nation’s elections for the upper house, which went ahead as planned on Sunday.
Exit polls suggest Abe’s political party, the ruling LDP are set to retain a majority.
A minute’s silence was held for the former leader as the results began to come in.
Elections for Japan’s upper house are general viewed as a referendum on the current government.
If the LDP is able to strengthen its majority, it will increase the current PM’s ability to push though key policies, including defence spending.
