Speculation that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will dissolve the Lower House for a "double election" this summer began to dissipate Monday, as an official close to him said such a move would not be needed when the Cabinet has stable support.
Some had speculated that the prime minister would be tempted to call a snap election to coincide with the triennial election for half of the Upper House, in an apparent bid to boost voter interest and turnout.
There were also expectations that Abe would delay the planned consumption tax hike in October and seek a mandate for his decision.