Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the lower house of Parliament, paving the way for a Feb. 8 snap election.
Archived version: https://archive.is/newest/https://apnews.com/article/japan-politics-takaichi-parliament-dissolution-election-74e9b32eb12a6f9823242255b92150b2
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It’s common where the executive (usually the prime minister) can choose to dissolve parliament and hold an election. There are usually time limits and conditions associated with that power, but the PM will generally choose a time that is most favourable. Otherwise, they can run the risk of being forced to hold an election at an inopportune time and risk losing.