Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned Sunday, months after his party’s historic defeat in July’s parliamentary elections.

Facing pressure from within the Liberal Democratic Party, he stepped down ahead of a planned early leadership vote.

Ishiba cited economic challenges and regional tensions as reasons for delaying his resignation.

His ruling coalition had failed to secure a majority in both upper and lower house elections, prompting the LDP to call for a party overhaul. Presidential elections are expected in early October.