New Delhi, Jan. 19 -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the dissolution of the House of Representatives on Monday. This move triggers a snap general election scheduled for 8 February, the first day of the current parliamentary session.

Kyodo News reported that the government finalised the decision to dissolve the lower house last Friday. Speaking at a press conference, Takaichi explained that she is seeking a fresh mandate from the public. By calling the vote, she is linking her political future to the election's outcome. Official campaigning will begin on 27 January.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Takaichi explained that she is seeking a renewed public mandate, effectively tethering her political future to the...