Abe's snap election bid could either bruise or bolster

Tokyo

JAPAN'S Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is poised to "do a Mrs May" by calling a snap general election in a bid to bolster his hold on power at a crucial political moment in much the same way Britain's Theresa May did, following her elevation to power after the Brexit vote.

But like the British leader, Mr Abe could come away more bruised than bolstered by the experience. Political opposition forces in Japan are poised to capitalise on Mr Abe's opportunism even if (like Britain's Labour Party) they are unlikely to take power at this time.