Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved the country’s parliament ahead of a snap election scheduled for February 8. On Friday, the Speaker of Japan’s parliament formally announced the dissolution of the lower house through an official letter. Takaichi, Japan’s first female prime minister, made the decision to seek a fresh mandate from voters before the election date.

According to the report, Takaichi had earlier indicated that an early election might be called. Her decision aims to secure public support for the government’s various plans and spending initiatives. The upcoming election will cover all 465 seats in the lower house and will serve as Takaichi’s first major electoral test since taking office.

Takaichi, who assumed office in October, is expected to use her current popularity to strengthen her position within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The election outcome will reveal how the Japanese public views the government’s spending expansion plans.