Japan¡¯s incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, says he will dissolve the Lower House next week for a snap election on Oct. 27.

¡°I believe it¡¯s important for the new administration to be judged by the people as soon as possible,¡± the newly elected Liberal Democratic Party president said at a news conference announcing the decision Monday.

The timing of the move is highly unusual and not without controversy.