Mon Nov 11 08:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Japan’s Prime Minister Ishiba Resigns, Triggering Special Session of Parliament

**Tokyo, Japan -** Prime Minister **Shigeru Ishiba** and his cabinet have resigned, triggering a special session of the Japanese Parliament to elect a new Prime Minister. This follows the ruling coalition’s defeat in the recent House of Representatives election, marking the end of Ishiba’s brief eight-day tenure.

Ishiba, elected as Japan’s 102nd Prime Minister on October 1st, dissolved the House of Representatives just eight days later, breaking a postwar record for the fastest dissolution following a Prime Minister’s election. The subsequent election on October 27th saw the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito Party coalition lose their majority, paving the way for a new leader.

The special session of parliament, scheduled to last four days, will see both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors nominate a new Prime Minister. The first round of voting will be held in the House of Representatives, where a candidate needs a majority of votes to win. If no candidate secures a majority, a second round of voting is expected to take place between LDP President **Shigeru Ishiba** and **Yoshihiko Noda**, leader of the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

Despite the House of Councillors having equal powers with the House of Representatives in principle, the latter has the final say in crucial matters such as legislation and Prime Minister appointments. Thus, even if the two chambers choose different candidates, the outcome of the House of Representatives election will ultimately decide the new Prime Minister.

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