Japan’s ruling coalition partner and leader of the Innovation Party, Hirofumi Yoshimura, confirmed to the media on Sunday (January 11) that Prime Minister Sanae Takichi may call for an early election. Earlier, Japanese media reported that Takichi is considering holding the election in February.
If the information is accurate, this will be the first time for Takichi to face the voters since becoming prime minister. Since taking office as prime minister in October last year, Takichi has maintained high approval ratings in Japan, which could give her an advantage in the early election. The cabinet led by Takichi has maintained a high level of public support of around 70% in various major media polls.
In an interview with Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), Yoshimura, leader of the Innovation Party, said that he met with Sanae Takichi on Friday (January 9) and felt that Takichi’s view on the election timing has entered a “new stage.” However, Yoshimura stated that he and Takichi did not discuss the specific timing of the election.
“Dissolving the House of Representatives is the prime minister’s prerogative,” said Yoshimura. “If she decides to dissolve the House of Representatives, as a ruling coalition partner, we are prepared for battle.”
“If she (Takichi) does make the decision as reported by the media, I would not be surprised,” Yoshimura said.
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on Friday citing government sources that Takichi is considering holding the early election on February 8 or 15.
Yoshimura’s remarks have intensified speculation that Takichi may capitalize on her current popularity to consolidate the ruling coalition’s power. The Liberal Democratic Party, led by her, and its ally, the Innovation Party, hold a slim majority in the powerful House of Representatives and also rely on the support of three independent lawmakers.
According to Kyodo News, an informed source said on Saturday that Takichi is considering dissolving the lower house at the beginning of the regular session of the parliament starting on January 23.
In an NHK interview recorded on Thursday and broadcast on Sunday, Takichi did not mention the possibility of dissolving the House of Representatives but reiterated that she would “focus on addressing current challenges,” including tackling rising prices following the supplementary budget passed in December.
Kyodo News reported that parties both within and outside the government have been working on preparations for the next House of Representatives election on Sunday. Constitutional Democratic Party leader Yukio Edano believes that there is a high possibility of voting in February, stating that they will “continuously take action” and are prepared for a battle stance.