Snap election is Abe's to lose

Singapore

WITH official campaigning for the 48th Japanese general election on Oct 22 under way, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looks increasingly likely to fend off the challenge of the Party of Hope formed by Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike.

Mr Abe, post-war Japan's third longest-serving prime minister, called the snap election to strengthen his mandate. The opposition is in disarray and lacks a credible leadership candidate; although she remains party leader, Ms Koike will not stand in the election.