Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's sudden resignation Monday may set in motion a round of political upheaval, with his successor likely to dissolve the Lower House and call a snap election before year's end, critics say.
The term of the House of Representatives lasts until next September, but even before Fukuda became the nation's leader, speculation has been unending about when the chamber might be dissolved and an election called.
Critics speculate that the Liberal Democratic Party will try and hold the election as soon as possible while its new leader is still fresh and popular with the public. But Rei Shiratori, president of the Institute for Political Studies in Japan, said a new face will not change the severe situation the LDP is facing.