Japan's incoming PM Ishiba set to call general election on Oct. 27

Tokyo, Sept 30: Japan's incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, said Monday that a general election will be held on Oct. 27 to seek a public mandate, with a ruling party official saying that the official campaigning is expected to begin on Oct. 15.

Ishiba made the announcement as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, a day before he is set to be nominated as prime minister in an extraordinary Diet session. Both houses of parliament are controlled by the LDP and its junior coalition partner, Komeito.

"The new administration must seek a public verdict as soon as possible. If various conditions are met, I want the next general election to be held on Oct. 27," Ishiba told a press conference at the LDP headquarters.

It is rare for an LDP leader who has yet to be elected prime minister to unveil plans to dissolve the House of Representatives. Ishiba said he made the announcement to secure enough time for local election authorities to prepare.

He plans to deliver a policy speech in parliament after becoming prime minister and answer questions from opposition party leaders. Ishiba said, "I will make sure that the people have enough information before they make a judgement" in the election.

The main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, meanwhile, has been urging the government and the ruling parties to draft a supplementary budget to assist in the recovery of areas in central Japan hit by an earthquake and heavy rain.

An election must be held before the current term of the lower house ends in October 2025. (KYODO)