Tokyo: Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dissolved the House of Representatives on Wednesday, paving the way for an election to the country’s lower house of parliament later this month.
Ishiba only took office on October 1, succeeding Fumio Kishida, and is hoping to secure a mandate for his administration from voters. The 67-year-old set himself the goal of renewing his governing Liberal Democratic Party, which has been rocked by corruption scandals. The election is due to be held on October 27, sparking critique from the country’s fragmented opposition, which has said the short campaign leaves too little time for debate.Ishiba has had a long political career, including stints as defence minister from 2007-08 and as agriculture minister. (dpa)
