The lower chamber of Japan´s parliament was dissolved yesterday in readiness for a general election, expected next month, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks to consolidate his grip on power.
“In accordance with article seven of Japan´s constitution, the lower house is dissolved,” speaker Bunmei Ibuki told the chamber.
Ibuki´s move came after a mandate from Abe, who is going to the polls less than half way through a four-year term.
Abe said earlier this week that he wanted to ask for voters´ endorsement for his decision to postpone a sales tax rise after data showed an earlier hike had knocked the economy off kilter.
