Mainichi asserted in a front-page story that Prime Minister Suga has decided not to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election before Sept. 17, when the campaign period for the LDP presidential election is expected to begin, based on the assessment that holding a national election amid the fifth wave of COVID-19 would be difficult. As he is now reportedly confident about securing support for his reelection bid from former Prime Minister Abe and others, the premier has concluded that he will be able to prevail in the LDP race even in the absence of an LDP victory in the Lower House election.