DTN News - JAPAN NEWS: Yoshihiko Noda Wins Japan Leadership Race

DTN News - JAPAN NEWS: Yoshihiko Noda Wins Japan Leadership Race

Source: DTN News - - This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources BBC News & Xinhua

(NSI News Source Info) TORONTO, Canada - August 29, 2011: Japan's governing Democratic Party (DPJ) has chosen Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda as its leader, lining him up to become the country's sixth prime minister in five years.

Mr Noda secured victory in a run-off against Trade Minister Banri Kaieda, after a first-round vote in which no candidate secured a clear majority.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan announced his resignation on Friday.

He has been criticised for his handling of the quake aftermath.

Mr Noda is expected to be confirmed by parliament as prime minister on Tuesday.

The 54-year-old secured 215 votes in the ballot against Mr Kaieda's 177 votes.

Supporters of public favourite Seiji Maehara, the former foreign minister who was eliminated in first-round voting, threw their support behind Mr Noda in the second ballot.

Mr Kaieda was backed by scandal-hit party heavyweight Ichiro Ozawa, who controls the DPJ's biggest faction.

Correspondents say the new prime minister will face a daunting agenda.

Large parts of Japan need to be rebuilt after March's earthquake and tsunami, and the crisis at the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant still needs to be resolved.

Added to that, Mr Noda will need to address Japan's stagnant economy.

He has said in the past that he favours raising funds through increased taxation - including a doubling of Japan's sales tax, which currently stands at 5% - to cut debt and meet social security commitments.

Related:

Kaieda, Noda playing off for Japan ruling party leader

TOKYO, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- A runoff has been kicked off between Japan's industry minister Banri Kaieda and finance minister Yoshihiko Noda in the presidential election of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) on Monday.

The winner of the runoff on Monday will become Japan's sixth prime minister in five years. Full story

Japan's ruling party starts electing president

TOKYO, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- Japan's ruling Democratic Party started Monday an election of the party's president, who is expected to become the country's third prime minister in two years.

Five candidates, economy, trade and industry minister Banri Kaieda, former foreign minister Seiji Maehara, finance minister Yoshihiko Noda, agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister Michihiko Kano, and transport minister Sumio Mabuchi, are vying for the top post to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Naoto Kan. Full story

*Link for This article compiled by Roger Smith from reliable sources BBC News & Xinhua

*Speaking Image - Creation of DTN News ~ Defense Technology News

*This article is being posted from Toronto, Canada By DTN News ~ Defense-Technology News

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