Japanese cabinet clears way for new elections
By Xinhua, IANSTuesday, July 21, 2009
TOKYO - The Japanese cabinet Tuesday endorsed Prime Minister Taro Aso’s plan to dissolve the lower house or the House of Representatives later in the day.
All cabinet members signed the dissolution document, including Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano as well as Agriculture Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who have both appeared dissatisfied with Aso’s decision last week to dissolve the house, Kyodo News reported.
After the Japanese emperor signs the Imperial decree proclaiming the dissolution, Speaker Yohei Kono will read it out and the house will be dissolved at a plenary session starting at 1 p.m.
Aso’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) currently have 303 seats in the 480-seat lower house, and their partner Komeito has 31. The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has just 112.
Elections are expected on Aug 30.
