Prime Minister Taro Aso had no choice but to dissolve the Lower House to contain anti-Aso members of his own party, even though public support for him and the Liberal Democratic Party are at a critically low level, experts said.
Fighting off the strong movement within his own party to oust him, Aso, who has been repeatedly criticized for his policy and statement flip-flops, stood firm and dissolved the chamber Tuesday, setting the general election for Aug. 30, a move analysts called suicidal amid the LDP's public disfavor.
Political analyst Eiken Itagaki said Aso may have acted too hastily, pointing out that he should have taken more time to rebuild his party before dissolving the Lower House.