Tokyo, Feb 08 (V7N)- Voting in Japan’s national parliamentary election began at 8:00 am local time on Sunday (February 8). A total of 1,284 candidates are contesting for 465 seats in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Japanese parliament, according to the BBC.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanai Takaichi dissolved parliament on January 23 and announced the snap election for February 8. Political analysts believe the prime minister called the early election to capitalize on his personal popularity and secure a renewed mandate for the ruling party.

The main contest in this election is between Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party. The outcome will determine which party secures a parliamentary majority and forms the next government.

This election is also seen as a crucial test of Takaichi’s leadership, as the results will largely decide the future of his prime ministership.

Voting will continue until 8:00 pm local time. According to local media reports, vote counting may continue throughout the night, with final results expected late night or early Monday.

END/SMA/AJ