Ishiba dissolves Japan’s lower house to set up an Oct. 27 parliamentary election
Associated PressOCT 20 2024
Ishiba, who became prime minister after Fumio Kishida resigned amid corruption scandals, aims to secure a majority for his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) while public support is still high.
The decision to hold an early election has been criticized for prioritizing politics over policy and allowing little time for debate, with opposition leaders arguing it contradicts Ishiba's previous vows.
Ishiba's initial public support ratings as prime minister are around 50% or lower, which is considered low for a new leader, and he faces challenges from both opposition parties and conservative factions within the LDP.
Rushing into an election just days after taking office shows a lack of commitment to addressing pressing issues and avoiding parliamentary scrutiny. It's a cynical attempt to exploit the congratulatory mood before implementing any real changes. The public deserves more time to evaluate Ishiba's leadership and policy proposals.