Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has said he will not run for reelection as party leader this month. 

According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, Suga said in a press briefing on Friday that he will not run in the leadership election for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party(LDP) to commit himself to fighting COVID-19. 

As a result, he will be stepping down as prime minister after just one year at the helm. His term expires on Sept. 30. 

The election to select the LDP's new leader is set for Sept. 29. 

Suga had reportedly been keen to serve another term. However, the party turned against him as support ratings for the prime minister sank ahead of the general election as the nation battles a surge in COVID-19 cases.