Prime Minister Fumio Kishida¡¯s ruling Liberal Democratic Party retained one of two seats Sunday in closely watched by-elections that could narrow his options for dissolving the Lower House and calling a snap election, especially if rank-and-file LDP members grow skeptical of Kishida¡¯s ability to win elections as party leader.

Asked Monday morning about the possibility of a snap election before the year¡¯s end, Kishida simply said he would remain focused on dealing with international and economic concerns such as soaring prices.

¡°Now is the time to concentrate on issues where discussions cannot be postponed. I¡¯m not thinking about anything else right now,¡± he told reporters.