Japanese parliament is dissolved for elections, as Ishiba tries to contain LDP crisis

Japanese prime minister dissolves parliament amid scandal, preparing Japan for elections that could redefine the party’s political future

A lower house of Japan’s parliament was dissolved this Wednesday (9), paving the way for general elections that will happen in October 27thwith the start of the campaign scheduled for October 15th. The Prime Minister Shigeru Ishibarecently elected to the presidency of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) em September 27thnow faces the challenge of guaranteeing the majority of his party in the lower house, consolidating his position in the government.

The decision to dissolve parliament came just days after Ishiba took over as prime ministermarking the shortest interval between the inauguration of a prime minister and the dissolution of parliament in post-war Japan.

These general elections will be the first since the political funds scandal which involved members of the LDP in late 2023. In an attempt to calm public outrage, the party announced that 12 legislators involved in the scandal will not be endorsed as official candidates in the next election.

During his first political speech in parliament, Ishibaof 67 yearshighlighted the importance of restore public trust in politics after the scandals and promised to face the rising cost of livingwhich severely affects the population.

O LDPwhich governs Japan in coalition with the Cometheld 258 seats in the lower chamber of 465 memberswhile the main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japanled by Yoshihiko Nodacontrols 99 seats.

The election promises to be fierce, with a focus on issues such as political reform, inflation and economic measures, while opposition parties try to reduce the dominance of the LDP.