Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dissolved Japan's House of Representatives—the lower house of the country’s parliament—Wednesday, setting the stage for an October 27 general election. Ishiba made this decision eight days after taking office, Kyodo News reports.

"I have decided to dissolve the House in order to get the direct opinion of the public because it is very important for us to continue managing the government for the protection of Japan and its people," said the premier.

Ishiba is seeking a vote of confidence before putting his leadership in reforming his scandal-tainted ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to the real test.

Official campaigning is set to begin on October 15.

Opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda lashed out at Ishiba for trying to deflect voter attention from the issue of "secret money," referring to revelations that LDP members had failed to report political funds properly.

However, Ishiba emphasized that the dissolution of the House of Representatives is necessary for the protection of the interests of Japan and its people.

A fractious opposition bloc would give a boost to the ruling parties, according to the analysts.