Japan's lower parliamentary chamber was dissolved Friday in readiness for a mid-December general election, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe moves to consolidate his grip on power and reinvigorate a faltering economic growth drive. Following the dissolution, the premier's cabinet confirmed the election will be held Sunday, December 14, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, Tokyo's top spokesman.
"Finally, the fight will begin," Abe told fellow politicians who cheered in response to the remarks. "Let's fulfil our responsiblity to make Japan a country that once again shines at the centre of the world. "I promise to take the lead so that all of you here will be elected. Let's grab a win together."
Abe, who is going to the polls less than half way through a four-year term, said earlier this week that he wanted voters' endorsement for his decision to postpone a sales tax rise slated for next year, after data this week showed an earlier levy hike knocked the economy into recession. "I'm fully aware that it's going to be a tough election," Abe told a business audience in Tokyo on Thursday. "Through the election campaign, I want to clarify if the growth strategy we are pushing is right or wrong," he said.
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