Why Japanese Prime Minister Kishida may call a snap election soon

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's office in Tokyo, Japan June 13, 2023. Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is thought increasingly likely to call a snap election, perhaps within days.

No election for the powerful lower house of parliament needs to be held until 2025, but Kishida is eager to solidify his grip on the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to ensure his victory in a party leadership race in September 2024 and extend his time as premier.