Japan’s new Prime Minister Ishiba will call a general election on October 27th

New Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Monday that a general election would be held on October 27.

Ishiba made the announcement as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, a day before he is due to be named prime minister in an extraordinary session of the state legislature. Both chambers of parliament are controlled by the LDP and its junior coalition partner Komeito.

An election must take place before the current House term ends in October 2025.

Ishiba said “the sooner the better” for holding an election to obtain a public mandate after becoming prime minister and forming a cabinet.

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