JAPAN: PM Shinzo Abe calls snap election

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called an election a year early and will dissolve parliament on Thursday. Mr Abe said he was seeking a fresh mandate to overcome “a national crisis” amid rising threats from North Korea. His decision comes amid rebounding approval ratings after a record low over the summer and with the […]

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called an election a year early and will dissolve parliament on Thursday.

Mr Abe said he was seeking a fresh mandate to overcome “a national crisis” amid rising threats from North Korea.

His decision comes amid rebounding approval ratings after a record low over the summer and with the opposition largely in disarray.

Mr Abe did not set a date for the vote but Japanese media suggest it will be on 22 October.

Mr Abe’s support has surged as rising tensions with North Korea have overshadowed criticism of alleged cronyism.