Japanese leader calls snap poll

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced yesterday that he would call an early election for parliament’s more powerful lower house for next month.

Abe said at a news conference that he would dissolve the 475-seat chamber on Thursday when it convenes after a three-month summer recess. The election is to be held on 22 October.

Support ratings for Abe’s government have started to rebound after attacks on him over cronyism scandals faded during the recess.

Also, opposition parties are regrouping and unprepared for an election.