Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi Dissolves Lower House, Calls Snap Election for Feb. 8

Tokyo, The Gulf Observer: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Friday dissolved the Lower House of parliament, paving the way for a snap general election scheduled for Feb. 8.

Prime Minister Takaichi said the early election would allow her to seek a public mandate for her leadership of the ruling coalition, formed by her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (JIP). The coalition was established following the departure of Komeito from government after 26 years, subsequent to Takaichi’s election as president of the LDP.

Under a policy agreement, JIP—also known as Nippon Ishin no Kai—backed Takaichi’s appointment as prime minister. While the prime minister currently enjoys strong personal approval ratings in media polls, the LDP faces challenges from smaller opposition parties advocating similar policy positions.

The snap election marks the first time since 1990 that a general election will be held in February, traditionally a period reserved for parliamentary debate on the national budget. Concerns have been raised that the election could delay passage of the budget bill, which must be approved by both chambers by March 31, the end of the fiscal year.

Before the dissolution, the LDP-JIP coalition held a narrow majority of 233 seats in the 465-member Lower House. The Feb. 8 vote will also serve as the first electoral test for the Centrist Reform Alliance, a new party formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito.

A total of 465 seats are at stake, including 289 constituency seats and 176 proportional representation seats allocated based on party vote share.

Key campaign issues are expected to include measures to address inflation, potential consumption tax cuts—particularly on food items—social security reform, and strengthening Japan’s security framework. Policies related to foreign residents and visitors are also likely to feature prominently.

With just 16 days between the dissolution and election day, candidates face a short campaign period that may be affected by winter weather conditions. Election officials have encouraged voters, especially in regions prone to heavy snowfall, to make use of early voting options to ensure participation.