InsideJapan News Network

The majority of Japanese citizens wish for Naoto Kan to remain as prime minister, according to a new poll.

Newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun conducted a poll over the weekend and discovered 66 per cent of voters believe Mr Kan offers a better alternative to Ichiro Ozawa. A similar survey conducted by Asahi Shimbun newspaper found that 65 per cent were in favour of the existing PM, compared to 17 per cent supporting Mr Ozawa.

Although the leadership election for president of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is decided by an internal vote, it is likely that such polls could influence the potential outcome on September 14th.

The DPJ only came to office in 2009 but ongoing concerns over the state of the Japanese economy have led to a power struggle between the different wings of the party.

Both Kan and Ozawa have been officially campaigning for the party president position since September 1st.


Written by Susan Ballion.