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What's behind Sanae Takaichi's 16-day snap election?

Updated 14:09, 07-Feb-2026

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has abruptly dissolved the House of Representatives, triggering a snap election with a campaign period of just 16 days. The move has drawn wide attention, with critics questioning its timing amid ongoing economic pressures. In this video, we break down how Japan's election system works, examine the political landscape Takaichi is facing and assess her prospects at the polls. We also look at the broader economic and diplomatic challenges shaping this high-stakes vote.

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