Summary
- Japan’s incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, plans to call a general election for October 27.
- The snap polls will decide which party controls parliament’s lower house and are set to be held a year early.
- Ishiba won the race for leadership of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and will be formally appointed premier.
- Ishiba aims to restore confidence in the ruling party, increase defense spending, and strengthen ties with the US.