Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba plans to dissolve the Diet on Wednesday before snap elections on October 27, hoping to capitalize on his recent appointment and a divided opposition to secure a victory for his scandal-plagued party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). With the LDP having ruled Japan for decades, Ishiba is expected to win re-election.
His priorities include increasing defense spending and supporting regions affected by Japan’s aging population. Ishiba took over from Fumio Kishida, whose administration faced low approval ratings due to corruption scandals. Supporters believe Ishiba’s outsider image will appeal to voters.
By calling early elections, Ishiba aims to test his party’s popularity while maintaining momentum. However, critics question his decision to prioritize elections over parliamentary debates. Ishiba’s pledge to exclude disgraced party members from the election reflects his commitment to strict governance.
Addressing security concerns, Ishiba advocates for a regional military alliance akin to NATO. He also plans to tackle Japan’s demographic challenges and revive the economy through stimulus measures. The opposition party, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, focuses on diversity issues like legalizing same-sex marriage.
© 2024 AFP