Political Confusion in Japan Ahead of Elections

(2 Sept 08-RV)Former Japanese foreign minister Taro Aso emerged quickly today as the front-runner to replace Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, whose sudden resignation has thrown Japan’s political scene into confusion and opened the door to early nationwide elections.
After less than a year in office, Fukuda said yesterday he was stepping down because he was unable to break a deadlock with the Democratic Party of Japan over virtually all of his major policy objectives.Eric Due is the Editor of Domestic News at the Japan Times. He says that Aso is likely to win due to his support from rural voters.