30-9-2024 (TOKYO) Newly elected Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leader Shigeru Ishiba is reportedly preparing to call a snap general election for late October, according to multiple Japanese media outlets. This development comes just days after Ishiba’s ascension to the party leadership, setting the stage for a whirlwind start to his tenure as Japan’s next prime minister.
Ishiba, 67, a former defence minister known for his hawkish stance on security issues, secured the LDP leadership on Friday, effectively paving his way to become Japan’s new premier. He is expected to be formally sworn in as prime minister on Tuesday, replacing the outgoing Fumio Kishida.
According to reports from public broadcaster NHK and several major national newspapers, Ishiba is in the final stages of planning to dissolve parliament on 9 October, with the general election slated for 27 October. While these reports have not cited specific sources, they align with Ishiba’s earlier statements expressing his desire to call an election “as soon as possible” to solidify his mandate.
The decision to hold a snap election comes against the backdrop of political turbulence that has rocked the LDP in recent months. Kishida’s resignation was precipitated by a damaging party slush fund scandal, which exacerbated his already waning popularity among voters grappling with rising living costs.
