DHAKA: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called an election a year early and will dissolve parliament on Thursday.

Abe said he was seeking a fresh mandate to overcome "a national crisis" amid rising threats from North Korea.

His decision comes amid rebounding approval ratings after a record low over the summer and with the opposition largely in disarray.

Abe did not set a date for the vote but Japanese media suggest it will be on 22 October.

Abe's support has surged as rising tensions with North Korea have overshadowed criticism of alleged cronyism.

The prime minister also announced a 2tn yen ($17.8bn, £13.2bn) stimulus package on education and social spending.

In a press conference on Monday evening, he said the fresh stimulus was needed for programmes to prepare Japan for the future.

He also said he would continue on his path of fiscal reform and would use the revenue from the recently introduced sales tax to balance the budget and reduce debt.

BDST: 1640 HRS, SEP 25, 2017
AP