Reasons why Japan's new Prime Minister dissolved the House of Representatives and held early elections

Mr Ishiba took office last week when Fumio Kishida resigned after three years as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party amid corruption scandals.

With the early election, Mr. Ishiba wants to secure a majority in the Lower House, the more powerful of the two houses of Japan's parliament, for his ruling party before the situation can get worse.

Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (right) attends an extraordinary session of the Japanese Parliament on October 9, 2024. Photo: AP

The move has been criticized as prioritizing elections over policy. But Japan's opposition remains too divided to challenge the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled Japan almost uninterrupted throughout the postwar period.

Mr Ishiba announced his election plans even before he won the party leadership vote and became prime minister. His cabinet has officially announced the election date and said campaigning will begin next Tuesday.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Ishiba pledged to face voters directly to better understand and regain their trust. “Without the understanding and empathy of the people, politics cannot move forward,” he said.

Prime Minister Ishiba, who will fly to Laos on Thursday to attend the ASEAN Summit, also reiterated that he will balance diplomacy and defense to contribute to peace and stability in the region.

According to Japanese media, the current public support rate for Mr. Ishiba as Prime Minister is only around 50% or lower, the lowest level for a new leader of the country.

In his first policy speech in Japan's parliament last Friday, Mr. Ishiba did not mention the goal of establishing a stronger regional military framework and a more equal Japan-US security alliance.

Hoang Anh (according to AP, AFP)

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