Japan's Incoming Leader Sets Election Date Amid Scandal

Shigeru Ishiba, Japan's incoming prime minister, announced plans for a general election on Oct. 27. Ishiba, who secured leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), aims to strengthen his position and improve the party's ratings following recent scandals. The primary opposition includes the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Japan's incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, has announced plans for a general election to take place on Oct. 27.

Ishiba, who recently won the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race, is positioning himself to solidify his stance amid a series of scandals that plagued his predecessor, Fumio Kishida. Ishiba's victory in the leadership race virtually ensures he will be voted in as Japan's next prime minister during a special parliamentary session on Tuesday.

The general election is aimed at securing a majority in the lower house for the LDP, which currently holds 258 of 465 seats. Despite suffering a dip in popularity due to ongoing scandals, the LDP remains Japan's most popular party.

(With inputs from agencies.)