Japan lower house dissolved ahead of election

TOKYO: The lower chamber of Japan´s parliament was dissolved Friday in readiness for a general election, expected next month, as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe seeks to consolidate his grip on power.

"In accordance with article seven of Japan´s constitution, the lower house is dissolved," speaker Bunmei Ibuki told the chamber.

Ibuki´s move came after a mandate from Abe, who is going to the polls less than half way through a four-year term.

Abe said earlier this week that he wanted to ask for voters´ endorsement for his decision to postpone a sales tax rise after data showed an earlier hike had knocked the economy off its axis.

His cabinet is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting Friday afternoon to confirm the election will be Sunday, December 14.