Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on Friday ruled out any plan to call a general election in the near future, placing the implementation of his structural reform programs at the forefront.
"I have said I want lawmakers to think about how to implement reforms, not worry about an election," Koizumi said. "I am not thinking about dissolving (the House of Representatives) for a general election at the moment."
While a general election does not need be held until 2004, the prime minister can dissolve the Lower House at any time by calling a snap election.