Japan PM Takaichi May Call Snap Election in February

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering a surprise national election for early February, major newspapers reported. The Yomiuri Shimbun issued a news flash on January 9 stating the Prime Minister has begun preparations. She may dissolve the Diet, Japan's parliament, when it opens on January 23. The snap election would then be held in the first half of February. Potential dates are February 8 or 15. The Mainichi Shimbun later confirmed the Yomiuri report. A "snap election" is an election called earlier than scheduled, often to seek a new public mandate. This move, if executed, would be a major political event early in the new year. It would test the strength of Takaichi's ruling coalition.