ISLAMABAD (TDI): Shigeru Ishiba, the head of Japan’s governing party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has announced to call parliamentary elections on October 27.
Ishiba was recently elected as LDP leader, ensuring he will succeed Fumio Kishida, as prime minister as the LDP coalition holds a majority in parliament.
Ishiba disclosed the election date during a press conference where he unveiled his leadership lineup, citing the need for logistical preparations.
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He stressed the importance of receiving public judgment on his administration as soon as possible.
Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who finished third in the party leadership race, has been appointed to lead the LDP’s election task force.
Ishiba is also expected to name defense experts and trusted allies to key Cabinet positions, including Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani as defense chief.
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On the policy front, Ishiba proposed an Asian equivalent to NATO and called for increased dialogue with regional partners about the use of U.S. nuclear deterrence.
He is advocating for a more equitable Japan-U.S. security alliance, which could involve joint management of U.S. military bases in Japan and the establishment of Japanese Self Defense Force bases in the United States.
