Japan’s PM to dissolve lower house for early election

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is poised to dissolve the lower house of Japan's parliament on October 9, paving the way for a snap election set for October 27.

This decision has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who accuse him of hastily seeking a fresh mandate just eight days into his premiership, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media.

Ishiba's move marks the quickest dissolution by a post-war leader.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which is currently entangled in a slush funds scandal, along with its junior coalition partner, the Komeito party, holds control of the 465-member House of Representatives.

The Cabinet approved the dissolution plan on October 9 morning and is expected to confirm the campaign schedule, which will commence on October 15 and culminate in voting on October 27. Ishiba is scheduled to hold a press conference later on October 9 to address the matter.

As it stands, the current term for lower house members is due to conclude in October 2025, necessitating an election by that time.

According to Japan’s Constitution, prime ministers possess the authority to dissolve the chamber at their discretion.

"I have previously committed to allowing adequate time for opposition leaders to question me in parliament," Ishiba remarked, attempting to reassure critics of his abrupt decision.

The main opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, has been urging the government to draft an additional budget for the current fiscal year, which runs until March, to assist recovery efforts in regions affected by recent earthquakes and severe flooding in central Japan.

Last month, prior to his election as prime minister, Ishiba indicated his intention to dissolve the lower house, prompting backlash from opposition leaders who viewed his decision as a disregard for the constitutional process and an abrupt policy shift.

By Aghakazim Guliyev