Tokyo, Jan 23 (NationPress) Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives on Friday, paving the way for a snap election scheduled for February 8, according to local media reports.

This dissolution, taking place at the beginning of the ordinary parliamentary session, has initiated a brief campaign period for political parties ahead of the upcoming elections. Both ruling and opposition parties are advocating for the suspension of the consumption tax on food to alleviate the financial strain on households coping with inflation, as reported by Kyodo News.

On Friday, Takaichi's cabinet sanctioned the dissolution of the 465-member chamber. Notably, while Japanese prime ministers have the authority to dissolve the lower house, this marks the first occurrence of such an action at the commencement of a regular session in the past sixty years.

Takaichi emphasized her decision to hold elections stems from her desire to gain public support for her premiership, which commenced in October of last year. The ruling coalition has proposed a moratorium on the consumption tax for food items, while the opposition coalition has suggested eliminating it altogether. Election discussions are also expected to address topics such as politics and financial matters, especially in light of the slush fund scandal that affected the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in recent years, as well as issues related to foreign residents and tourists.

Despite Takaichi's cabinet enjoying a favorable support rating, the ruling coalition maintains a precarious majority in the lower house and is in the minority in the House of Councillors, indicating a need for collaboration with opposition lawmakers to pass legislation.

Critics among opposition parties have condemned Sanae Takaichi for calling for elections prior to the parliament's enactment of the initial budget for the fiscal year 2026, set to commence in April, accusing her of prioritizing political motives.

A former television host, Takaichi transitioned into politics in 1993, winning a seat in the Lower House as an independent candidate. She joined the LDP in 1996 and first entered the Cabinet under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She served as the Minister of State for Okinawa and Northern Territories Affairs, later becoming the first woman to lead the LDP's Policy Research Council.

From 2022 to 2024, Takaichi held the position of Japan's Economic Security Minister and is recognized as the longest-serving Minister for Internal Affairs, a role she has occupied during various tenures.

Takaichi, a prominent figure within the conservative faction of the LDP and a long-time advocate for its principles, was elected as the LDP leader with 185 votes, defeating Shinjiro, who received 156 votes in a runoff after no candidate achieved a majority in the initial voting round.