LDP pulls endorsements of 12 ‘slush fund’ lawmakers for Oct. 27 election

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party decided Wednesday that it will not endorse 12 party lawmakers implicated in a political slush funds scandal in the Oct. 27 general election.

The decision by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who dissolved the Lower House in the afternoon, and other senior party officials means those not endorsed will be forced to campaign for the election without support, including financial assistance, from the party.

If they lose in the single-seat constituencies they contest, they will not be able to gain entry into the Lower House via the proportional representation system, unlike LDP members with party endorsement.