TOKYO, Reuters – Two weeks before the nation’s election, the heads of Japan’s main parties will host a public discussion on Monday. It is expected that the debate will focus on the best way to respond to the next wave of COVID-19-related infections.

Fumio Kishida (Prime Minister), who is the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, took the premiership in March and called for the general elections to be held Oct. 31.

Japan’s defence position is another issue that needs attention, especially as China increases its military quickly and North Korea continues to push ahead with its missile and nuclear programs.

Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of Komeito, Japan’s junior partner, raised questions Friday over Japan’s LDP’s decision to double defence spending. Yamaguchi said the public was against such an increase, as many areas needing resources for social welfare.

The largest Japanese opposition, Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, (CDPJ) stands for minority rights and women’s empowerment. It supports same-sex marriage, different surnames, and marks out any differences with the LDP.

According to Asahi, 18.3% of CDPJ candidate candidates were women as of Oct. 17 compared to 9.7% of LDP candidates.

The discussion between nine party leaders will begin at 1:00 pm (0400 GMT).