TOKYO: At an unusual cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Japan's government resolved to hold a House of Councillors election on July 10, formally kicking off campaigning for the critical political event.
According to a cabinet decision reached after this year's 150-day normal session of the Diet ended without an extension earlier Wednesday, the formal campaign season for the triennial election for the upper chamber of the Diet, the country's parliament, will begin on June 22.
During a press conference later in the day, Kishida is expected to tout his achievements as the country's leader, as well as his commitment to lead the ruling coalition bloc to a resounding win in the upper house election, according to reports.
Approximately 500 candidates are expected to run in the election, which will likely include measures to strengthen national security and combat rising prices.
125 of the 248 Upper House seats are up for grabs, including 74 in prefectural constituencies, 50 under the countrywide proportional representation system, and one to fill a vacancy in Kanagawa's eastern prefecture.
'Nothing finalised' on potential meeting with Japan PM: Yoon
Japan reopens its borders to certain international tourists after 2 yrs
Japan votes down No-Confidence Motion against Lower House Speaker Voted