TOKYO -- Japanese political circles are abuzz with debate over whether Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will call a snap election this year, a potentially risky maneuver that could nonetheless offer the best chance of maintaining the ruling coalition's dominance.
The power to dissolve the lower house for an election underpins the prime minister's authority. Abe did so in November 2014, just under two years after his return to office and well before the end of Diet members' four-year terms. Opposition parties were caught flat-footed, allowing his Liberal Democratic Party to sweep to victory. This has heightened fear among lawmakers that a snap election could be called anytime, strengthening the prime minister's hand.
