New Japanese Prime Minister announces early elections

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s new Prime Minister, announced on Monday that snap elections would be held on October 27, giving voters the chance to go to the polls just one month after his victory in the Liberal Democratic Party leadership race (PLD).

Ishiba is set to succeed Fumio Kishida, who will officially step down on Tuesday, paving the way for Ishiba to lead.

The move signals significant political changes and paves the way for Ishiba’s immediate influence on Japan’s governance.

(With input from agencies.)