Kishida reelected Japan’s PM in parliamentary vote

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Fumio Kishida has been reelected as Japan’s prime minister after his governing party scored a major victory in key parliamentary elections. Elected just over a month ago by parliament, Kishida called a quick election in which his party secured 261 seats in the 465-member lower house, enough to maintain a free hand in pushing through legislation. The Oct. 31 victory increased his grip on power and is seen as a mandate from voters for his weeks-old government to tackle the pandemic-battered economy, manage the coronavirus and address other challenges. Later Wednesday, he formed his second Cabinet by keeping all but one of the ministers he appointed when he took office on Oct. 4.