The Japanese Prime Minister has called a snap election two years ahead of Schedule.<br /><br />Shinzo Abe says he will dissolve the lower house of parliament on November 21 and will delay an unpopular rise in sales tax until 2017.<br /><br />The first rise from 5% to 8% took place in April and the next increase to 10% was set for October 2015. <br /><br />Abe was elected two years ago with a mandate to boost the economy but it has faultered.<br /><br />Figures released on Monday show that Japan has fallen into technical recession.<br /><br />Although Shinzo Abe’s popularity has declined to just below 50 percent, by calling the election now – while the opposition is in disarray – his Liberal Democrat Party should be able to consolidate power in the lower house.<br /><br />The election is expected to take place in mid-December.
