Japan May Be Ready For Early Elections Later This Month
Japan may be ready for early elections later this month after the new ruling party's new leader and new Prime Minister has been elected, according to an official from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).
LDP Party Council Chairman Shun'ichi Suzuki told BS TV on Sunday that the new administration will take over a high approval rate from its predecessor. "More than 70 percent of the population positively evaluated eight months of the past seven years under Abe," Suzuki said.
The LDP called for a leadership election on September 14, after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced his resignation last month. Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga stands out as the most likely candidate, with the support of more than half the party.
Former foreign minister Fumio Kishida and former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba also announced their candidacy for party leadership.
Stating that next year may be an opportunity for early elections, when the LDP will re-elect a leader, Suzuki said, "Whether Prime Minister Abe will serve in the remaining term or for a longer period may depend on the characteristics of the new administration."