Tokyo, Oct 10: In a bid to strengthen his party, Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi today ordered the Lower House of Parliament be dissolved, paving the way for nationwide elections. The dissolution would put the 480 seats of the powerful lower house up for grabs. Koizumi was to formally set the election date later, but it is expected to be held on November 9.

Following a morning cabinet meeting in which the order was issued, emperor Akihito was to formally put his stamp of approval on it. The order would then be submitted and read to the chamber by the Lower House speaker in the afternoon.

The order was reported by Japan's public broadcaster NHK and the Kyodo news service. In keeping with tradition, officials refused to comment immediately on what was discussed during the morning cabinet meeting, but Koizumi has said he intended to dissolve the chamber once an important anti-terrorism bill was passed.

Koizumi's ruling Liberal Democratic Party already controls a majority in the chamber, with 244 seats. The largest opposition bloc, the Democratic Party of Japan, has 137 seats.

Bureau Report