Tokyo, Sept. 1 (Jiji Press)–Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, who is regarded as the main candidate to succeed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, signaled Tuesday a cautious stance on an early dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election.

At a press conference, Suga declined direct comment on the possibility of a Lower House dissolution. “A dissolution is something to be decided under the new cabinet,” he said.

But Suga also said, “Responding to the new coronavirus remains the task (at hand).”

For the next administration, “the immediate challenge will be to respond to the new coronavirus outbreak, and it will be important to help economic activities as well,” he said.

It is important for the Abe administration to “take necessary steps diligently and hand over (the responsibility) to the new administration,” said the top government spokesman.

Abe announced last week his intention to step down due to health reasons. A new government is expected to be launched in mid-September.