Japan's Ishiba calls for general election on Oct. 27 in test for new leader

Presumptive PM to seek mandate amid criticism of scandal-hit ruling party

Shigeru Ishiba, president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and presumptive new prime minister, speaks at a news conference on Sept. 30 at LDP headquarters in Tokyo. (Photo by Yuji Murakami)

YUICHI NITTA and YUICHI SHIGA, Nikkei staff writers

September 30, 2024 15:10 JST

Updated on September 30, 2024 17:32 JST

TOKYO -- Shigeru Ishiba, president of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the presumptive new prime minister, said on Monday that he will dissolve the lower house and hold a general election on Oct. 27.

The election will test the public's confidence in the LDP under Ishiba, who faces the challenge of addressing the issue of a political funds scandal in the party.