News Flash

Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslide

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-30 22:25
Large Medium Small

TOKYO – Japan's ruling party conceded a crushing defeat Sunday after 54 years of nearly unbroken rule as voters were poised to hand the opposition a landslide victory in nationwide elections, driven by economic anxiety and a powerful desire for change.

Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslide

A photographer takes a photograph of posters of politicians from the Democratic Party of Japan at the party's election campaign headquarters in Tokyo August 30, 2009. Japanese voted in a historic election on Sunday that looked set to oust the long-ruling conservative party and give the opposition the job of nurturing a recovery from the country's worst recession since World War Two. [Agencies]Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslide

The left-of-center Democratic Party of Japan was set to win 300 or more of the 480 seats in the lower house of parliament, ousting the Liberal Democrats, who have governed Japan for all but 11 months since 1955, according to exit polls by all major Japanese TV networks.

Full Coverage
Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslide 2009 Japan Election
Related readings:
Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslidePolls: Opposition wins landslide in Japan election
Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslideA look at rival leaders in Japan voteJapan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslideJapan General Election 2009
Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslideLiberal Democratic Party of Japan

Japan PM Aso to quit after opposition landslideJapan Democrat win could warm China ties

"These results are very severe," Prime Minister Taro Aso said in a news conference at party headquarters, conceding his party was headed for a big loss. "There has been a deep dissatisfaction with our party."

Aso said he would have to accept responsibility for the results, suggesting that he would resign as party president. Other LDP leaders also said they would step down, though official results were not to be released until early Monday morning.

The loss by the Liberal Democrats — traditionally a pro-business, conservative party — would open the way for the Democratic Party, headed by Yukio Hatoyama, to replace Aso and establish a new Cabinet, possibly within the next few weeks.

The vote was seen as a barometer of frustrations over Japan's worst economic slump since World War II and a loss of confidence in the ruling Liberal Democrats' ability to tackle tough problems such as the rising national debt and rapidly aging population.

The Democrats have embraced a more populist platform, promising handouts for families with children and farmers and a higher minimum wage.

"The nation is very angry with the ruling party, and we are grateful for their deep support," Hatoyama said after the polls closed. "We will not be arrogant and we will listen to the people."

   Previous Page 1 2 3 Next Page