Over two years after being chosen as head of Nippon Ishin no Kai by announcing the party would hop, skip and jump its way to being Japan¡¯s largest opposition party, Nobuyuki Baba will step down to take responsibility for its lackluster performance in the Oct. 27 election.

¡°In light of the results of the recent Lower House election, I¡¯ve decided not to run in the (upcoming leadership) election. It¡¯s essential to give Nippon Ishin a fresh start,¡± Baba posted on his X account late Wednesday evening.

Baba¡¯s decision came after online voting mainly by party lawmakers and local assembly members, with 696 voters in favor of holding a leadership election and 56 against.