Japan opposition parties agree to form new centrist party.

Japan's Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito have agreed to form a new centrist political party, with Yoshihiko Noda and Tetsuo Saito proposed as joint initial leaders. The announcement followed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's plans to dissolve parliament and call a possible snap election.

Japan's main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP) and Komeito have agreed to establish a new political party, their leaders said on Thursday. The parties described the move as an effort to place a centrist camp at the centre of politics. Komeito ended its long partnership with the Liberal Democratic Party last October over concerns about a political funding scandal. The announcement came after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told ruling party executives she plans to dissolve parliament and call a possible snap election. What is known: - The CDP and Komeito agreed to form a new political party, announced by their leaders on Thursday, Jan. 15. - CDP leader Yoshihiko Noda and Komeito chief Tetsuo Saito said they would initially lead the new party jointly. - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has conveyed plans to dissolve parliament and call a snap election, which could be held as early as Feb. 8 if realised. - Komeito ended its 26-year partnership with the Liberal Democratic Party in October, citing the LDP's response to a political funding scandal. - The LDP subsequently formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), enabling Takaichi to become Japan's first female prime minister. Summary: Leaders say the new party aims to present a unified centrist alternative to the current ruling coalition. The development comes ahead of a possible snap general election; the timing and details of any formal merger and its electoral effects remain undetermined at this time.