Japan's younger voters back PM's polls gambit, snowy areas say no

Young people in Japan appear more supportive than older generations of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's decision to call a snap election, while many voters in snow-heavy regions do not welcome it, a Kyodo News poll showed Sunday.

Some 58.4 percent of those in their 30s or younger said they are fine with the dissolution of the House of Representatives for an election on Feb 8, compared with 47.5 percent among those in their 40s and 50s.

Among those in their 60s or older, 60.8 percent said they are against it.

It will be the first time since 1990 that a lower house election will be held in February.

Opposition outweighed support in snowy regions, such as Tohoku, where 61.4 percent opposed while 35.3 percent supported the dissolution.

In the Hokuriku-Shinetsu area that includes Ishikawa and Nagano prefectures, 56.4 percent were against and 37.5 percent supported it.

With the campaign set to run through winter, some opposition parties have voiced concern that snowfall could discourage voter turnout.

In Hokkaido, known for heavy snow, however, 50.5 percent were for and 43.5 percent were against it.

- Bernama

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