Sanae Takaichi Announces Snap Election in Japan

Mon Jan 19 2026 16:25:27 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to dissolve parliament, triggering a snap election next month to secure a stronger mandate amidst rising public support.

In a significant political move, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has announced the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for a snap election scheduled for February 8. Takaichi, advocating for a strong mandate to govern, is seeking public support just three months after taking office. Her Liberal Democratic Party currently holds a majority in the lower house, but faces competition from a newly formed opposition alliance. The Prime Minister's decision reflects both her ambitions and the risks of leadership instability in recent years.

Sanae Takaichi Announces Snap Election in Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will dissolve parliament on Friday, paving the way for an election next month that she hopes will give her a stronger mandate to govern.

It was an extremely weighty decision that would determine Japan's course together with the people, Takaichi told a news conference. She also urged voters to entrust her with running Japan.

The vote to elect the 465 members of the House of Representatives, the lower and more powerful house in Japan, is scheduled for February 8.

Takaichi and her cabinet have enjoyed high public support since taking office in October, with approval ratings reportedly ranging from 60-80% in major polls.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), which Takaichi leads, currently holds 199 seats in the House of Representatives, maintaining a slim majority thanks to a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party. Despite enjoying favorable public opinion, Takaichi faces challenges, including a newly unified opposition formed by the Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito, her party's former coalition partner.

Additionally, her leadership comes under scrutiny given the shaky history of LDP leadership in recent years, with Takaichi being the fourth Prime Minister in five years. Previous attempts at snap elections, such as that of her predecessor Shigeru Ishiba, have resulted in significant losses for the party.

Known as the Iron Lady and influenced by figures such as former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Margaret Thatcher, Takaichi has prioritized national security, recently enacting a record defense budget amid rising tensions with China over geopolitical concerns.

As Takaichi embarks on this electoral gamble, her administration grapples with the delicate balance of public support and the looming uncertainties in the political landscape.