Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has called for a snap election, hoping to capitalize on his personal popularity and secure a fresh mandate for the scandal-plagued Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The lower house of parliament was dissolved on Wednesday, setting the stage for a national election on October 27, Bloomberg reports.
While the LDP is expected to retain control of the lower house, Ishiba’s surprise elevation to the premiership marks a strategic attempt to shore up support amid a lingering scandal that has eroded public trust in the party.
Earlier this week, the LDP announced that 12 lawmakers implicated in a kickback scandal would not be allowed to stand for re-election. This move, orchestrated by Ishiba, aims to address public concerns about the affair.
Recent opinion polls suggest that Ishiba enjoys approximately 50% public support, a figure considered low for a new leader but a significant improvement compared to the 20% approval rating of his predecessor, Fumio Kishida.
The LDP currently holds a commanding majority in the lower house with 258 seats, well above the 233 needed for a majority. However, a significant decline in their representation could increase pressure on Ishiba ahead of the upper house elections next year.
Ishiba has pledged to continue Kishida’s economic policies, emphasizing the need to combat deflation and raise wages. He has also announced a package of measures to mitigate the impact of rising prices and boost economic growth, including cash handouts for low-income households.
However, Ishiba’s early days in office have been marked by mixed messaging on economic policy, leading to volatility in financial markets. After initially expressing support for the Bank of Japan’s rate hike path, he appeared to backtrack, causing confusion among investors.
The LDP’s primary challenge in the election will come from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ), the second largest party in the lower house with 99 seats. The CDPJ, under its new leader, has focused on the LDP’s funding scandal in its campaigning, calling for greater transparency and accountability.
During a party leaders’ debate on Wednesday, CDPJ head Yoshihiko Noda criticized Ishiba for supporting LDP lawmakers who have admitted their involvement in the kickback scandal. Ishiba countered that he would leave it to the voters to decide.
The CDPJ has pledged to prioritize economic redistribution, particularly for low-income earners and the elderly, and to strengthen the middle class.
Following a press conference on Wednesday, Ishiba is scheduled to travel to Laos to attend an ASEAN summit. He is expected to meet with leaders from South Korea and China during his visit.
