Suga abandons snap election in 11th hour meeting with party brass

Prime minister shifts focus to leadership revamp to boost flagging support

20210901N Suga press

Suga's comment Wednesday that "we are not in the position" for an early snap election countered widespread speculation. (Photo by Uichiro Kasai)

YUKIO TAJIMA and YUSUKE TAKEUCHI, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Speculation that beleaguered Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga would resort to dissolving the lower house in September for a snap election evaporated overnight.

"Considering the situation of coronavirus infections, we are not in a position to dissolve the Diet," Suga told reporters on Wednesday. He also denied any plans to "postpone" the presidential election for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

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