“At a time when North Korea is threatening us and increasing tensions, we must never waver,” he said in his final campaign speech on Saturday. But aware of the strength of public opposition, Abe said on Sunday that he had dropped his 2020 deadline for the revision. “That should be our priority.” He added that he would “deal firmly” with North Korea. Analysts said regional tensions centred on North Korea had dissuaded many voters from taking a leap into the political unknown. Sunday’s result means Abe is expected to proceed with a controversial rise in the consumption or sales tax in late 2019.

Source: The Guardian October 22, 2017 11:33 UTC