Asia
Japan’s Ishiba Pledges Early General Election in October
- Opinion poll shows 52% of public optimistic for new government
- New leader leans on veterans for upcoming cabinet team
Japan’s new leader, Shigeru Ishiba, said he would call a national election on Oct. 27, assuming he is confirmed as Japan’s new prime minister on Tuesday, taking advantage of a positive public reaction to his victory in last week’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party leadership election.
“It is important that the new government be judged by the people as soon as possible,” Ishiba said in brief remarks to the press on Monday.