CDP, Komeito to form new party for snap Japan election

Two opposition parties in Japan have agreed to form a new party in the Lower House ahead of a possible snap election next month. The move comes after Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae conveyed her plans to dissolve the Lower House during the upcoming Diet session, which starts next week.

The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan is the country's largest opposition group. President Noda Yoshihiko met with Saito Tetsuo, Chief Representative of Komeito, which had partnered with the Liberal Democratic Party in its ruling coalition until last October. The two leaders said they're seeking to rally forces that support centrist policies.