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

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

With the snap election, Ishiba wanted to secure a majority of seats in the Lower House, the more powerful of the two houses of Japan's Parliament , for his ruling party before the situation could deteriorate.

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

This move has been criticized as prioritizing elections over policy. But Japan's opposition remains too divided to win leadership from the Liberal Democratic Party, which has ruled Japan almost uninterruptedly throughout the post-war period.

Mr. Ishiba announced his election plan even before he secured the party leadership vote and became Prime Minister. His cabinet officially announced the election date and stated that the campaign would begin next Tuesday.

At a press conference on Wednesday, Prime Minister Ishiba pledged to engage directly with voters to better understand them and regain their trust. “Without the understanding and empathy of the people, politics cannot progress,” 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, Ishiba's current public approval rating as Prime Minister is only around 50% or lower, the lowest for a new leader in the country.

In his first policy speech to the Japanese Parliament last Friday, Mr. Ishiba did not mention the goal of establishing a stronger regional military framework and a more equitable Japan-U.S. security alliance.

Hoang Anh (according to AP, AFP)

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