Snap election for Japan
New PM decides to go to polls within weeks of winning race to lead ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
Posted on 02 October, 2024
Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has announced plans for a general election on October 27.
His decision comes only days after he was elected as the new leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a tight battle with eight other candidates. He was approved as the new prime minister by parliament on October 1.
The election, which is set to take place more than a year before it is due, will decide which party controls parliament's lower house.
“It is important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible,” says Ishiba, pictured.
He has replaced Fumio Kishida, who announced in August he was stepping down after three years in the top role.
