Shigeru Ishiba announces he will call general elections on October 27 once in office. (© Sankei by Ataru Haruna)
The new Liberal Democratic Party President, Shigeru Ishiba, said he intends to call a general election for the lower house of Japan's parliament on October 27. He said this was to seek "the judgment of the people as soon as possible."
"If conditions are met, I will dissolve the Lower House and hold a general election on October 27," Ishiba stated.
Elaborating on the short timeframe, Ishiba explained that it was "unusual, but not unreasonable."
The new LDP Secretary General, Hiroshi Moriyama, also elaborated. Moriyama said that campaigning was expected to begin on October 15.
Elections: Why Now?
Ishiba's announcement is not unusual. Newly elected prime ministers often call an election shortly after taking office. They hope to fight in an election against opposition parties while their approval ratings are still high.
There are several steps to take before elections can be held. However, the LDP leadership expects the necessary motions to all go through. Therefore, the announced time frame is largely considered established.
Steps to a General Election
First, Ishiba must be elected as prime minister in the National Diet — Japan's Parliament. This is expected on October 1. The LDP and its coalition party Komeito hold the majority in the Diet. Therefore, there is little doubt about the outcome of the prime minister's election.
Next, Ishiba must establish a cabinet. When that is done, he can deliberate with opposition parties regarding issues such as the timing of the elections.
He can only dissolve the National Diet and call a snap election for the lower house when these preceding steps are completed.
The lower house, formally called the House of Representatives, has 465 members. Of these, 289 are elected in a first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the most votes is elected. The other 176 are elected via proportional representation.
Terms for lower house members are four years unless the prime minister dissolves the chamber sooner. Currently, the lower house terms expire in October 2025.
LDP Executive Posts Announced
The general election announcement came after Ishiba won his party leadership bid on September 27. As the new LDP president, he held a press conference on September 30 to officially announce the top positions inside the LDP. He appointed Moriyama to succeed Toshimitsu Motegi as the new LDP secretary general.
Ishiba also appointed Shunichi Suzuki, currently the finance minister, as the chairman of the party's general council.
Former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will be the LDP vice president, while Taro Aso will become the party's supreme adviser. Shinjiro Koizumi, who ran against Ishiba as a candidate in the leadership election, was appointed the chairman of the party's election strategy committee.
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Author: Arielle Busetto
