The new leader of the ruling Liberal- Democratic Party (LDP) of Japan Shigeru Ishiba, who is certain to become the next prime minister, intends to call a general election on October 27, high-ranking representatives of the party reported, quoted by Japan's Kyodo Agency and BTA.
Earlier in the day, former defense minister Ishiba decided to dissolve the House of Representatives in October to seek a public mandate after engaging in parliamentary debates with opposition parties, sources close to him said.
Parliament is expected to appoint Ishiba as prime minister on Tuesday to replace incumbent Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as the LDP and its junior coalition partner "Komeito" control both houses of parliament. Tomorrow, Ishiba is expected to appoint new leaders of the LDP.
On Friday, Ishiba was elected LDP chairman in a leadership election that featured a record nine candidates.