Report: Japanese PM Dismisses Snap Election Plans

(MENAFN) On Thursday, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed that he will not dissolve the House of Representatives at this time, ensuring that the elections for both parliamentary chambers won’t coincide this July, according to a news outlet.

This announcement followed statements from Yoshihiko Noda, head of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, who declared he will not introduce a no-confidence motion against Ishiba’s government.

After discussions with Noda, Seiji Maehara, co-leader of the opposition Japan Innovation Party, conveyed that Noda emphasized the importance of avoiding a political void amid worries over escalating U.S. tariffs and growing unrest in the Middle East, the report added.

Ishiba had earlier indicated he was prepared to call a snap election by dissolving the influential lower house if Noda’s party proceeded with a no-confidence motion during the regular Diet session.

Facing criticism that delaying the no-confidence motion suggested frailty, Noda clarified during a press briefing, "This is about crisis management," and stressed, "It is not about appearing fragile, but about acting responsibly," the report stated.

Noda’s party is currently the only opposition group capable of independently submitting such a motion, though it requires backing from other parties to succeed. Many opposition factions are hesitant to trigger a general election, citing insufficient readiness.

At present, Ishiba’s Liberal Democratic Party-led coalition does not hold a majority in the lower house. If a no-confidence motion were to pass, the prime minister would have to either dissolve the 465-seat chamber or the entire cabinet would be compelled to resign within ten days.

Meanwhile, the upper house election for the House of Councillors is anticipated to take place on July 20, shortly after the regular 150-day parliamentary session concludes on June 22.

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