Why does The Japan Times use the words "snap election" when referring to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's plans?

As I see it, from the perspective of politics in Britain and here, a snap election is one that is suddenly decided and announced without any forewarning. It is highly unlikely that Noda will do any such thing, so the news media should resist using the term.

The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.

paul gaysford