Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe has called for a snap election in response to the country's failing economy.
The prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, has called for a snap election on December and announced that he will dissolve the parliament, according to BBC.
The early election, which will be held on Dec. 14, could shorten Abe's term by two years. Despite the possibility of an early departure from the seat of power, the prime minister maintained that he is ready to step down from his position depending on the results of the election.
The decision to hold a snap election stems from Japan's failing economy which was caused by a plan enacted by Abe's administration.
As part of the prime minister's "Abenomics" financial plan, the administration increased Japan's sales tax from five to eight percent in April of this year. Abe hoped that this would increase the government's revenues.
However, the tax increase backfired as it hindered the country's consumer spending.
The second phase of the plan, which involves increasing sales tax to 10 percent, was scheduled for October of next year but was postponed by 18 months, CNBC reported.
In addition to the economic issues, Abe's popularity rating fell below 50 percent. This is the lowest figure that the prime minister has received since he was elected in 2012.
"There are differing opinions on the structural reforms we have proposed and I have decided that I need to hear the voice of the Japanese public on whether or not we should go forward with these reforms," Abe said during a press conference.
"I need to hear the voice of the people," he continued. "I will step down if we fail to keep our majority because that would mean our 'Abenomics' is rejected."
After the announcement, Abe's call for a snap election was criticized by members of the opposition, according to Telegraph.
Tatsuo Kawabata, the Democratic Party of Japan's Diet Affairs Committee chairman, called the prime minister's sudden election as a selfish way of addressing the country's economic issues.
"This is an expedient and selfish dissolution without a cause, aimed at resetting everything, including the stalled economic policies of 'Abenomics,'" he said.
Other opposing parties said they have not yet chosen proper candidates as they were caught off guard by the sudden snap election on December.
